Genetic testing and first presymptomatic diagnosis in Moroccan families at high risk for breast/ovarian cancer.

Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes highly predispose to breast and ovarian cancers and are responsible for a substantial proportion of familial breast and ovarian cancers. No female individuals from families from Morocco affected by breast cancer with mutations of these genes have previously been reported, and clinicians in Morocco are unaccustomed to dealing with healthy female individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA genes. This study aimed to report the initial experience of a group of Moroccan investigators carrying out predictive genetic testing to detect a known familial mutation in healthy Moroccan females with a high risk of developing breast cancer and to introduce supervision of these asymptomatic female carriers as a new approach in the prevention and early diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancers in Morocco.

Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma in Morocco.

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the first two decades of life. There is, however, a paucity of reports on the pattern of its occurrence in Africa. This study analyses the epidemiological pattern, clinical features, histology, and outcome in Moroccan children presenting with RMS.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.

Background: The optimal sequencing of chemotherapy and radiotherapy after breast surgery was largely studied but remains controversial. Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy is a valuable method for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer which is under ongoing research program in our hospital. We are evaluating the feasibility of the concomitant use of chemotherapy retrospectively.

Radiotherapy for breast cancer in countries with limited resources: program implementation and evidence-based recommendations.

Radiotherapy is an essential part of the multimodality treatment of breast cancer. Applying safe and effective treatment requires appropriate facilities, staff, and equipment, as well as support systems, initiation of treatment without undue delay, geographic accessibility, and completion of radiotherapy without undue prolongation of the overall treatment time. Radiotherapy can be delivered with a cobalt-60 unit or a linear accelerator (linac).