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Explore Our Impact: Past and Upcoming Events Driving Innovation through Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer
Call For Abstracts
Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC)
Annual Conference
in collaboration with
Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK)
KIGALI 2026
Theme: Closing the Cancer Care Gap in Africa Through
Resource-Stratified Pathways for Research and Comprehensive Care
DATE: Wednesday – Friday, 22-24 July 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 5 pm each day (Registration starts at 8:00 am)
Venue: Sainte Famille Hotel – Kigali, Rwanda
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
This three-day conference will focus on advancing cancer clinical care and research in Africa. It will convene cancer care providers, researchers, and global leaders from East and Central Africa and across the continent to share knowledge, build partnerships, and identify strategic opportunities to strengthen research infrastructure and improve the quality and accessibility of cancer care.
Conference Objectives
Foster Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration between cancer clinicians and researchers to promote multidisciplinary approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Bridge Research and Clinical Practice: Strengthen the translation of research findings into clinical practice by promoting dialogue between investigators and frontline care providers.
Share Emerging Scientific Knowledge: Provide a platform to share the latest advances in cancer research, clinical innovations, and evidence-based practices relevant to the regional and global cancer burden.
Address Regional Cancer Priorities: Highlight region-specific cancer challenges and identify research and clinical strategies tailored to local health systems and resource settings.
ABSTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
Abstracts may be submitted in English.
Abstract title should be typed in UPPER CASE. The title should define the topic and contain no abbreviations.
In the body of the abstract, standard abbreviations need not be defined; other abbreviations and acronyms should be defined on first use.
Overly commercial abstracts will not be accepted.
Do not include graphics, photographs, or tables.
Maximum word count for the body of the abstract is 300 words.
Abstracts should contain four sections:
OBJECTIVE: introductory sentence indicating the objective and purpose of the study.
METHODS: description of experimental procedures, including applicable statistical evaluation.
RESULTS: summary of the data and results.
CONCLUSIONS: statement of the study’s conclusions.
Kindly note the following:
Generic names for pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and medical devices should be used in place of Trade names. Trade names should only be used if equivalent products from multiple manufacturers are being compared.
The abstract will be listed under the submitting (presenting) author’s name in the conference programme and the electronic abstract publication.
Abstracts must be submitted electronically via the Call for Abstract Submission site.
Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to give an oral presentation or a poster presentation.
While effort will be made to accommodate the author’s preference in presentation format, the final decision will rest with the Scientific Programme Committee. Researchers based in Africa will be given priority in the Oral Abstract sessions. Authors chosen for a poster session will display their poster during a dedicated poster session.
All accepted abstracts will be published in the electronic abstract publication under the submitting (presenting) author’s name.
Prepare your abstract to the above specifications.
Complete all compulsory fields and enter your abstract.
Carefully check your personal and contact details and your abstract. Abstracts will be published “as is” with no editing.
Check your email for your submission confirmation.
Kindly send all questions to precisionmedicineabc@gmail.com
We look forward to receiving your abstracts!
Warm Regards,
PMABC Secretariat
Basic and Translational
Cancer Research Symposium
Presented by Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC)
And Africa Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC)
DATE: 22-24 July 2025
TIME: 8 am – 5 pm each day
VENUE: Ghana College Auditorium, Accra, Ghana
Basic and Translational
Cancer Research Symposium
Theme:
Catalyzing Basic and Translational Cancer Research in Africa: Advancing Progress and Capacity Building
Day 1 (July 22) – (in collaboration with Pfizer) ONLY for early-career researchers (master’s students, Ph.D. students, Postdocs, and medical students and residents). This is being organized in collaboration with Pfizer.
Days 2 & 3 (July 23-24) – for early-career and established researchers, clinicians, policymakers, nurses, pathologists, surgeons, advocates.
Program Highlights & Featured Topics
- Earn CPD Points
- Keynote presentations from high-profile thought leaders from across Africa and globally.
- Oral Abstract Sessions of emerging research with expert analysis and context.
- Poster Walks highlighting innovative research across a variety of cancer-related topics.
- Educational sessions on Scientific Communication, Publication Writing, grant writing, and the basics of cancer research.
- Research Career Development in both Academic and clinical Setting
- Securing and sustaining Funding for Basic and Translation Research: Local, National and International Opportunities
- Compliance and Data Managements and Clinical Trial
- Developing Collaborative Models for Cancer Research in Africa/The Future of Oncology Care in Africa: Vision 2030
Who Should Attend
- Clinicians, scientists, and medical oncologists Pathologists
- Early career researchers, Ph.D. students, residents, and medical students.
- Nurses, academics, and public health professionals, Herbal scientists and doctors
- Advocates, policymakers, and trade representatives from technology, imaging, therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals.
- International researchers and faculty looking to collaborate and do research in Africa.
- Funders looking to invest in Africa.
Time Left To The Symposium!
Please Note: In-Person Registration Closes July 15th.
After July 15th, Virtual Attendance Registration ONLY.
Join us for two days of high-impact learning and collaboration with leading researchers, clinical experts, and professionals from diverse fields. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge science and discover innovative strategies to launch a research career, integrate research into your clinical practice, or elevate your existing research efforts
The Basic Science Interest Group of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) in partnership with Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC) will be organizing a two-day workshop.
About The Symposium
The first day of the workshop will be focused on early-career researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, Ph.D. students in cancer research, master’s students involved in research, and assistant professors/lecturers. The second part is aimed at clinicians and investigators engaged in cancer research.
The objectives of the workshop are:
- Facilitate collaboration among African basic science cancer researchers
- Focus on Early Career African Cancer Researchers: Increasing capacity of early career African researchers
- Identify the knowledge gaps and opportunities to build capacity to study African cancers in Africa
Our Speakers
Click On An Image Below To Learn More About Our Speakers!
Symposium Schedule
TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER |
DAY 1: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Focus on Early Career Scientist Moderator: Dr. Micheal Nortey | ||
8:00 – 8:15 | Registration and Networking | |
8:15 – 8:45 | Introduction to Workshop | PMABC, Pfizer, AORTIC |
SESSION I Establishing a Cancer Research Career in Africa Moderator: Dr. Veneranda Nyarko | ||
08:45 – 9:00 | Building a Strong Research Foundation – Education and Training | Dr. Solomon Rotimi |
9:00 – 9:15 | Understanding Country’s Specific Challenges -Focus on Research with High Impact | Prof Frederick Chite Asirwa |
9:15 – 9:30 | Effective Mentoring for Building the Next Generation | Dr. Francis Makokha |
9:30 – 9:45 | Fostering Collaborations Nationally, Across the Continent, and Around the World: The PMABC Example | Dr. Sylvester Antwi |
9:45 – 10:15 | Questions and Discussion | |
SESSION II: Concurrent Session I Securing Funding for Basic and Translation Research: Local, National and International Opportunities Moderator: Camille Jimenez | ||
10:25 – 10:45 | Identification of Grant Opportunities and Application Processes | Dr. Josephine Nsaful |
10:45 – 11:10 | Developing Effective Grant Research Aims | Dr. Evelyn Jiagge |
11:10 – 11:35 | Developing a Winning Research Strategy: Aligning with Funders’ Priorities | Dr. Jennie Williams |
11:35 – 12:00 | Addressing Grant Reviewer Comments & Interactive Grant writing session | All facilitators Dr. Patrick Kafui Akakpo Dr. Solomon Rotimi |
12:00 – 12:25 | Questions and Discussion | |
SESSION II Concurrent session II Scientific Communication, Publication Writing and Career Development Moderator: Alvine Tremoulet | ||
10:25 – 10:50 | Organizing and Presenting Research Data for High-Impact Publications | Dr. Miriam Mutebi |
10:50 – 11:25 | Navigating the Publication Process: Step-by-Step Scientific Writing | Dr. Sulma Mohammed Dr. Kwabena Agbedinu |
11:25 – 12:00 | Scientific Communication: The Impact of Effective Communication of Science | Alvine Tremoulet |
12:00 – 12:25 | Questions and Discussion | |
12:25 – 1:00 | LUNCH | |
SESSION III Requirements for Building a Laboratory for Basic Cancer Research Moderator: Dr. Brendah Keitumetse Masisi | ||
1:00 – 1:25 | Developing Focused Research Interests and Questions: Aligning Passion and Practice | Dr. Lily Paemka |
1:25 – 1:50 | Laying the Foundation for Basic Science Research Lab: Infrastructure, Laboratory Space, Utilities | Prof Lamech M. Mwapagha |
1:50 – 2:15 | Identifying and Hiring Laboratory Staff and Personnel | Dr. Brendah Keitumetse Masisi |
2:15 – 2:40 | Navigating Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Approvals Process | Mr. Richard Osei Buabeng |
2:40 – 3:00 | Questions and Discussion | |
3:00 – 3:15 | BREAK | |
CONCURRENT SESSION – INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE Roundtable 1: Drug Discovery Research Moderator: Dr. Lily Paemka | ||
3:15 – 3:40 | Target Identification, Validation and Hit-to-Lead Optimization | Dr. Sulma Mohammed |
3:40 – 4:05 | Clinical Translation: From Bench to Bedside | Dr. Haythem Ali |
4:05 – 4:30 | Interactive Pre-Clinical Research Discussion | Dr. Lily Paemka Dr. Jennie Williams |
4:30 – 5:00 | Questions and Discussion | |
Roundtable 2: Improving Scientific Writing & Communication Skills Moderator: Dr. Kemi Rotimi | ||
3:15 – 3:40 | Building Strong Communication Skills for Networking and Collaboration | Alvine Tremoulet |
3:40 – 4:05 | Understanding the Grant Review Process: Tips and Tricks | Pfizer Global Medical Grant/Dr. Evelyn Jiagge |
4:05 – 4:30 | Addressing Manuscript Reviewers’ Comments | Dr. Kemi Rotimi |
4:30 – 5:00 | Questions and Discussion | |
Roundtable 3: Tissue Processing and Biobanking for Research Moderator: Dr. Patrick Kafui Akakpo | ||
3:15 – 3:40 | Responsible Conduct in Cancer Research: IRB and Ethical Guidelines | Prof. George Obeng Adjei |
3:40 – 4:05 | High-Quality Biobanking: Innovations in Tissue Storage and Preservation | Dr. Patrick Kafui Akakpo |
4:05 – 4:30 | Optimization of Tissue Quality for Translational Research | Shuk Mei Wong |
4:30 – 5:00 | Questions and Discussion | |
Roundtable 4: Research Career Development in an Academic Setting Moderator: Dr. Francis Makokha | ||
3:15 – 3:40 | Harnessing Team Science to Drive Innovation in African Research | Dr. Francis Makokha |
3:40 – 4:05 | Thriving in Academia: Promotion and Research Resilience in African Institutions | Dr. Miriam Mutebi |
4:05 – 4:30 | Crafting an Effective Teaching Portfolio for Academic Careers | Dr. Verna Vanderpuye |
4:30 – 5:00 | Questions and Discussion | |
DAY 2: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | |||
8:00 – 8:15 | Registration, Networking & Cultural Event | ||
OPENING CEREMONY Moderator: Dr. Foster Amponsah-Manu | |||
8:15 – 8:20 | Opening Prayer | ||
8:20 – 8:30 | Welcome and Opening Remarks | Dr. Evelyn Jiagge (Director PMABC) | |
8:30 – 8:40 | Acknowledgement and Award Ceremony | Dr. Evelyn Jiagge | |
9:00 – 9:05 | AORTIC Introduction | Dr. Hannah Ayettey Anie | |
9:05 – 9:15 | Special Remarks by Guest of Honor | Minister of Health, GCPS | |
9:15 – 9:30 | Keynote Address I: Cancer Research in Africa: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities in Basic and Translational Science | Dr Miriam Mutebi (President AORTIC) | |
PLENARY SESSION I Focus on Basic Cancer Research in Africa Moderator: Dr. Patrick K. Akakpo | |||
9:30 – 10:00 | Keynote Address II: Developing Clinical Trials Teams in Africa: Lessons Learned | Prof Frederick Chite Asirwa | |
10:00 – 10:20 | Basic Cancer Research in Africa: Current Landscape and Future Directions | Dr. Solomon Rotimi | |
10:20 – 10:40 | Investigating the role of African genetic ancestry on triple-negative breast cancer biology | Dr. Evelyn Jiagge | |
10:40 – 11:00 | Outstanding Abstract Presentations Basic Science and Cancer Genomics
| 1. Akinola Odedeyi (Breast Cancer) 2. Wanjiru Muriithi (Breast Cancer) 3. Nora Whittle (Breast Cancer) 4. Francis Adu-Amankwaah (Breast) | |
11:00 – 11:30 | Panel discussion and Q&A | ||
11:30 – 12:00 | MORNING TEA/COFFEE BREAK AND EXHIBITION VISITS |
| |
PLENARY SESSION II Advancing Cancer Research Training and Mentorship in Africa Moderator: Dr. Solomon Rotimi | |||
12:00 – 12:15 | Advancing Research Training in Africa: Turning Challenges into Opportunities | Prof. Abraham Rexford Oduro | |
12:15 – 12:30 | Designing Effective Mentorship Models to Enhance Cancer Research Training in Africa | Prof. J. H. Kofi Bonney | |
12:30 – 12:45 | Strengthening Research Training Through Digital Innovation | Dr. Francis Makokha | |
12:45 – 1:00 | Sustainability of Training and Mentorship Programs | Dr Patrick Kafui Akakpo (Ghana) | |
1:00 – 2:00 | LUNCH |
| |
2:00 – 3:00 | Spotlight Presentation: Tumor Characterization: Genomics, Immunology, Diagnostics Moderator: Dr. Rebeca Tegwinde Compaore
| Abimbola Onyia (Breast) Peter Kazembe (Cervical) Samuel Gwayi (Cervical) Jean Pascal Demba Diop (Breast, Prostate, Liver) Emmanuel Ntim (Prostate) Praise Agbetuyi-tayo (Prostate) Seifegebriel Feleke (Lymphoma) Magdalene Effiong (Breast) |
|
Advances in Organ Site Research: Establishing collaborations among organ site researchers Breast, Prostate, Hepatobiliary, Cervical, Colon, Rare Cancers | This session will be a meeting among cancer specific researchers to be co-led by an African researcher | ||
Breast (Moderator: Dr. Josephine Nsaful) | |||
3:00 – 3:15 | Important Updates from the AACR Annual Meeting(US) | Dr. Moses Dokurugu | |
3:15 – 3:30 | Discussant (Africa) | Dr. Josephine Nsaful | |
3:30 – 3:45 | Invited speaker shares research | Dr. Lily Paemka | |
3:45 – 4:00 | Collaborative research Approaches | Dr. Jessica Bensenhaver | |
4:00 – 4:30 | Panel Discussion & Q&A |
| |
Prostate (Moderator: Dr. Solomon Rotimi, Dr. Patrick Maison) | |||
3:00 – 3:15 | Important Updates from the AACR Annual Meeting(US) | Dr. Solomon Rotimi | |
3:15 – 3:30 | Discussant (Africa) | Dr. Patrick Maison | |
3:30 – 3:45 | Invited speaker shares research | Dr. Solomon Rotimi | |
3:45 – 4:00 | Panel Discussion & Q&A | ||
4:00 – 4:30 | Collaborative research Approaches | Dr. Solomon Rotimi, Dr. Patrick Maison | |
Hepatobiliary (Moderator: Dr. Asare Offei) | |||
3:00 – 3:15 | Important Updates from the AACR Annual Meeting(US) | Dr. Rebeca Tegwinde Compaore | |
3:15 – 3:30 | Discussant (Africa) | Dr. Asare Offei | |
3:30 – 3:45 | Invited speaker shares research | Dr. Kemi Rotimi | |
3:45 – 4:00 | Panel Discussion & Q&A | ||
4:00 – 4:30 | Collaborative research Approaches | Dr. Asare Offei | |
Cervical (Moderator: Dr. Patrick K. Akakpo) | |||
3:00 – 3:15 | Important Updates from the AACR Annual Meeting(US) |
| |
3:15 – 3:30 | Discussant (Africa) | Dr. Francis Makokha | |
3:30 – 3:45 | Invited speaker shares research | Dr. Sulma Mohammed | |
3:45 – 4:00 | Panel Discussion & Q&A | ||
4:00 – 4:30 | Collaborative research Approaches | Dr. Nelson Affram | |
Colon (Moderator: Dr. Kwabena Agbedinu, Dr. Jennie Williams) | |||
3:00 – 3:15 | Important Updates from the AACR Annual Meeting(US) |
| |
3:15 – 3:30 | Discussant (Africa) | Dr. Kwabena Agbedinu | |
3:30 – 3:45 | Invited speaker shares research | Dr. Jennie Williams | |
3:45 – 4:00 | Panel Discussion & Q&A | ||
4:00 – 4:30 | Collaborative research Approaches | Dr. Samuel Mensah | |
4:30 – 5:30 | POSTER SESSION & NETWORKING | ||
DAY 3: Thursday, July 24, 2025 | ||
7:30 – 8:00 | Breakfast, Networking & Poster Session | |
8:00 – 8:50 | Abstract Presentations Cancer Epidemiology, Pathology, and Clinical Translation Moderator & Discussant: Dr. Gervais Ntakirutimana
| Josephine Nsaful (Breast) Gebrekirstos Hagos Gebrekirstos (Breast) Alaa Ahmed (Breast) Keneuoe Cecilia Nthontho (Breast) Nambumba Amundaba (Cervical) Benedict Boadi (Breast) Charles Mills-Robertson (Prostate) |
MORNING SESSION Moderator: Dr. Kwabena Agbedinu | ||
8:50 – 9:10 | Keynote Speaker | Dr. Patricia LoRusso |
9:10 – 9:30 | Launching of Educational Manual | |
PLENARY SESSION III AI & Technology in Africa Moderator: Dr. Mohammed Sheriff | ||
9:30 – 9:45 | Leveraging African Genetic Diversity for Precision Oncology | Prof Lamech Mwapagha |
9:45 – 10:00 | Building Data Repositories: Foundation for Scientific Innovation in Africa | Eng. Matthew Boladele Akanle |
10:00 – 10:15 | Data Managements: Data Governance & Policies, Storage, Security and Data Documentation & Metadata | Prof. Benedict Calys-Tagoe |
10:15 – 10:30 | Q&A | |
10:30 – 11:15 | TEA BREAK AND NETWORKING | |
BREAKOUT SESSIONS | ||
BREAKOUT SESSION IV – A: Compliance and Data Managements Moderator: Dr. Ijeoma Aja | ||
11:15 – 11:30 | Regulatory Compliance, IRB, IACUC, IBC, HIPA | Prof. George Obeng Adjei |
11:30 – 11:45 | Good Clinical Practice | Mrs. Amma Frempomaa Asare |
11:45 – 12:00 | Biostatistics tools and cancer research building | Prof. Ernest Kenu |
12:00 – 12:30 | Q&A | |
BREAKOUT SESSION IV – B: Clinical Trial and Translational Research Moderator: Dr. Theresia Mwakyembe | ||
11:15 – 11:30 | Clinical Trial Design & Methodology | Dr. Haythem Ali |
11:30 – 11:45 | Regulatory & Ethical Considerations | Mr. Richard Osei Buabeng |
11:45 – 12:00 | Setting up early phase clinical trials and Quality assurance in Clinical trials | Dr. Haythem Ali |
12:00 – 12:30 | Q&A | |
12:30 – 1:30 | LUNCH BREAK & POSTER SESSION | |
RAPID FIRE ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS IN CANCER IN THE REAL WORLD Moderator & Discussant: Dr. Jessica Bensenhaver | ||
1:30 – 2:30 | Rapid Fire and Abstract Presentations
| Moderator: TBD Moses Dokurugu (Gastric) Peter Julius (Pathology) Mahine Ivanga (Uterine) Patrick Maison (Prostate) Tegwinde Rebeca Compaore (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) Olayinka Popoola (Breast) Precious Takondwa (Colorectal) Catherine Amuge (Cervical) |
PLENARY SESSION V Strategies for Establishing and Sustaining Cancer Research Infrastructure in LMICs Moderator: Dr. Miriam Mutebi | ||
2:30 – 3:00 | Cancer Immune Therapy and Immune Prevention | Dr. Sulma Mohammed |
3:00 – 3:40 | Sustaining Funding for Cancer Research in Africa in Changing Times | Camille Jimenez; NIHR/MRC Funding; PMABC |
3:40 – 4:00 | Q&A | |
4:00 – 5:00 | Multidisciplinary Panel Discussion (Moderator: Solomon Rotimi) · Clinical Translation · Sustaining Research Funding in Africa in Changing Times · Developing Collaborative Models for Cancer Research in Africa/The Future of Oncology Care in Africa: Vision 2030 | Prof Frederick Chite Asirwa Dr. Sulma Mohammed Dr. Evelyn Jiagge Dr. Francis Makokha |
CLOSING CEREMONY Moderator: Dr. Sylvester Antwi | ||
5:00 – 5:30 | Next Steps, Vote of Thanks & Closing Remarks | |
Data Management & Tissue Processing Workshop | March 2024
March 3rd & 4th 2025
Peduase Valley Resort | Ankama Close, Peduase, Ghana
Presented By PMABC in collaboration with the Institute For Translational Equitable Medicine (ITEM)
More to come. Please check back soon.
PMABC Workshop Ghana | Aug 2024
The Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC) workshop, held on August 19-20, 2024, was a tremendous success, bringing together 160 attendees dedicated to advancing breast cancer care. Under the theme “Advancing Breast Cancer Care Together: A Unified and Collaborative Approach,” the workshop featured a robust schedule of discussions, keynote addresses, hands-on sessions, and networking opportunities. From thought-provoking talks on the latest in breast cancer treatment to interactive sessions on tissue sampling and patient education, the event fostered collaboration and innovation.
Explore our gallery to relive the moments that made this workshop truly impactful.
