Incredible News! Lebanon Introduces Breakthrough Therapy for Breast Cancer

As Lebanon gets ready for Pink October, we’re happy to share big news on the breast cancer treatment front: a new targeted therapy for advanced HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer has just been registered and launched in the country.

This treatment, developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, is the first of its kind designed to tackle both HER2-positive and HER2-low (or ultralow) breast cancer. Using innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, it attaches to HER2 proteins on cancer cells and delivers chemotherapy directly inside them. This makes chemo treatments more effective while sparing healthy tissue.

“The launch of this breakthrough therapy exemplifies the resilience and progress of our health sector, marking a critical step in integrating world-class innovation into the care of Lebanese patients,” said Dr. Roger Khater, Hematologist-Oncologist and Head of the Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology.

Why This Matters

Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among Lebanese women. It makes up around 33.6% of new cases in females and 16.6% of all cancer cases in the country. In 2022 alone, Lebanon reported 2,161 new cases and 781 deaths related to breast cancer.

While awareness campaigns and earlier screenings have helped, advanced cases (especially those classified as HER2-low) have lacked dedicated treatment options. Globally, around 60% of metastatic breast cancer cases fall into this HER2-low category.

Backed by Strong Research

The new therapy’s effectiveness has been confirmed in large international studies, including DESTINY-Breast03, DESTINY-Breast04, and DESTINY-Breast12. These have showed major improvements in survival and quality of life compared to standard treatments.

“The approval of this innovative targeted therapy gives new hope to patients and their families, ushering in a new era of personalized care,” said Prof. George Chahine of Hôtel-Dieu de France in Beirut.

International experts echoed the same optimism, highlighting how global research collaborations have made it possible for Lebanese patients to access cutting-edge treatments.

A Step Forward for Lebanese Women

For patients and doctors alike, the arrival of this therapy signals a turning point in breast cancer care. It’s a powerful reminder that, despite challenges, Lebanon’s medical community continues to push forward, bringing the latest scientific advances home. And with Pink October around the corner, this launch is more than just good timing, it’s a hopeful sign for thousands of Lebanese women facing breast cancer.

Also be sure to check out the Lebanese Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser:

For more news items, click here. For more information and signs and symptoms of breast cancer, please click here and salemit everyone.