At Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, the Oncology Department leads the way in patient-centric, multidisciplinary cancer care, integrating advanced technology with compassionate support. The center offers services from early detection and diagnosis to treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care.
Dr. Annu Susan George, Consultant Medical Oncology, shares with Mediworld Middle East that her journey began during her internal medicine residency in Coimbatore, India, where she witnessed the challenges of treating cancer patients without specialized support.
Inspired to pursue oncology, she focuses on evidence-based, personalized care across breast, lung, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and hematological cancers.
Highlighting rising cancer rates in younger patients, she stresses early detection, lifestyle awareness, and family involvement, envisioning a future of accessible, tailored, and supportive cancer care in the UAE.
Could you share your journey into medical oncology and explain how it has influenced your approach to cancer care?
I was first introduced to oncology during my internal medicine residency at a government medical college in Coimbatore, India, where we had no dedicated medical oncology specialist. As internal medicine trainees, we were directly involved in caring for cancer patients, and this experience revealed the pressing need for specialists in the field.
Inspired, I decided to pursue a career in medical oncology. Many colleagues were surprised, given the perception of oncology as emotionally challenging with limited hope for patients. Yet, this view is misleading—oncology is driven by constant innovation, with new therapies and drugs emerging regularly.
The specialty also requires empathy, human connection, and compassionate care. Early in my training, I understood the value of timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment plans, and transparent communication, all of which profoundly impact patient outcomes.
What are the most common types of cancers you treat in the UAE, and do you observe any unique regional trends?
In the UAE, the most common cancers among men are colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia. Among women, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer are most prevalent. One concerning trend is the rising incidence of cancer in younger individuals, which may be linked to the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
Currently, cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of death in the UAE. However, efforts are underway to reduce cancer-related mortality by approximately 30% by 2030. Culturally, one unique aspect of cancer care in the UAE is the strong involvement of family members in the treatment process. This can be highly beneficial, particularly when family support aligns with the patient’s preferences and choices.
Are there any particular cases or patient stories that have left a lasting impact on you?
One story that has stayed with me involves three sisters I treated. The eldest was one of my first patients, diagnosed with breast cancer about ten years ago. She completed treatment successfully and continued follow-ups. A few years ago, she brought her youngest sister’s mammogram, which suggested cancer. All three sisters came in together, and during the visit, the middle sister mentioned a lump, which was also cancerous.
Genetic testing revealed a family mutation explaining the cases. Despite the youngest sister’s challenges as a single parent, the sisters’ resilience and mutual support were remarkable. All three completed treatment successfully, highlighting how family compassion can make a cancer journey more manageable.
How have your international experiences, including observerships at Tausigg Cancer Center and Henry Ford Hospital, shaped your practice in the UAE?
My international experiences have reinforced the importance of structured, systematic care in oncology. I learned how critical it is to follow a disciplined approach – from accurate diagnostics to comprehensive patient management.
I have brought this “checklist culture” into my practice in the UAE, emphasizing that every patient’s case should be reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board before initiating treatment. Whenever possible, reflex biomarker testing is integrated into the care plan. I also ensure that palliative care services are involved early and that a clear survivorship plan is established for each patient.
Exposure to these international hospitals has helped me tailor my approach to provide more organized, evidence-based, and patient-centric cancer care.
At Medcare, a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized. How do you collaborate with other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans for your patients?
At Medcare, we view the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MDT) as the backbone of cancer care. Our MDT includes medical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, as well as nursing and support staff. Every new cancer patient is reviewed by the board, and we collectively determine the optimal sequence of management tailored to that individual.
This collaborative process ensures that each patient receives a unified, patient-focused treatment strategy, with all specialists aligned on the best possible plan for their care.
What role does patient education play in your practice, and how do you empower patients to take an active role in their treatment journey?
I believe in the saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Education in cancer care works similarly—it can be a form of treatment. When patients understand their therapy, anxiety decreases, and adherence improves. I encourage patients to bring a companion, prepare at least three questions per visit, and learn red-flag symptoms to seek timely care. Patient education and counseling empower individuals while making treatment more effective and streamlined for both patients and healthcare providers.
Which recent cancer treatment advancements excite you most, and how is Medcare integrating them?
Oncology is evolving rapidly, with new therapies emerging continuously. What excites me most are second-generation targeted therapies. While targeted therapy began with drugs like Imatinib in the early 2000s, we now have highly specific agents for challenging conditions such as HER2-low breast cancer, KRAS G12C mutations, and EGFR-resistant lung cancers. Antibody-drug conjugates offer precise chemotherapy delivery, reducing toxicity, while CAR T-cell therapy shows promise beyond hematology into solid tumors. Innovations in surgical and radiation oncology further enhance outcomes. Together, these advances are enabling more precise, effective, and personalized cancer treatments.
What medical technologies are being integrated for diagnosis and next-generation screening?
Next-generation screening for biomarkers and genetic mutations has advanced significantly, and accessibility has improved considerably. These technologies are now widely available, making it easier to identify specific cancer profiles in patients.
In addition, newly approved drugs are quickly becoming accessible in the UAE following FDA approvals. This combination of advanced diagnostic tools and timely access to innovative therapies provides patients with more personalized treatment options and significantly improves outcomes.
When new medical technologies are introduced in the hospital, are doctors trained to use them? How does Medcare manage this process?
At Medcare, we have regular medical education programs and training sessions, typically held weekly, where new therapies and technologies are discussed. These sessions ensure that doctors are up to date with the latest advancements in treatment and care.
Additionally, as part of our professional licensing requirements, physicians are required to complete ongoing education to maintain their credentials. This structured approach ensures that our medical staff stays current, providing patients with safe, effective, and cutting-edge care.
Immunotherapy and personalized medicine are transforming cancer care. How do you assess and implement these therapies in your treatment protocols?
Whenever possible, we perform reflex biomarker testing for each patient using next-generation sequencing. This allows us to identify specific mutations, such as PD-L1 or NTRK, which guide targeted therapies. Traditionally, cancer treatment was based on the tissue of origin or organ type, but today we focus more on biology-centered, precision medicine approaches tailored to each patient’s unique tumor profile.
For immunotherapy, we carefully weigh the potential benefits against risks, including autoimmune side effects, while considering the patient’s goals and preferences. We also provide comprehensive education about possible side effects, helping patients make informed decisions and actively participate in their treatment plan.
How is Medcare equipped to handle complex oncology cases, and what sets it apart from other healthcare providers in the UAE?
At Medcare, we emphasize a continuum of care for oncology patients. Our facilities include rapid diagnostic testing, daycare and infusion centers, and on-site imaging, all integrated with our surgical and radiation oncology partners. This ensures that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated treatment in one setting.
The backbone of our approach is the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MDT). Every oncology case is reviewed by the MDT, which brings together specialists from multiple disciplines to collectively determine the most effective, personalized treatment plan for each patient. This integrated, team-based approach is what sets Medcare apart.
What are the biggest challenges you face in oncology practice in the Middle East, both medically and culturally?
One major challenge in the region is the late presentation of cancer cases, often due to low awareness of screening programs and the stigma surrounding the disease, leading to delayed diagnoses. In the UAE’s family-centric culture, involving relatives in care is important but requires sensitivity and transparency when discussing diagnoses and treatments. Rapid advances in cancer therapies also pose challenges with insurance approvals and reimbursements. Overcoming these issues depends on educating patients and families and adopting a pragmatic, well-sequenced approach to treatment planning.
What message would you like to share with patients who are currently battling cancer or those who have loved ones going through it?
My message is that cancer is just one chapter in your life – it does not define your entire story. Do not let it overshadow everything else that makes you who you are.
I encourage patients to ask questions, share their priorities with their doctors, and actively participate in creating a treatment plan tailored to their lives. Modern therapies are more targeted, less invasive, and less toxic, allowing treatment to be adjusted to fit individual needs.
Do not be afraid of cancer. With your doctor as a partner, you can navigate the journey one step at a time. With the right guidance and support, the experience can be both safe and hopeful.
Looking ahead, where do you see the future of oncology care in the UAE and globally?
In the UAE, we now have access to virtually all the technologies available globally. Rapid diagnostic kits and advanced testing are readily accessible, and patients can benefit from the latest FDA-approved therapies without needing to travel abroad. With the growth of cancer centers across the country, the future of oncology care in the UAE is very promising, offering patients high-quality, comprehensive treatment locally.
Globally, the focus is shifting from organ-specific treatments to biology and histology-driven therapies. Innovations continue to prioritize reducing treatment toxicity while improving survival outcomes. The goal of modern oncology is clear: provide effective, minimally toxic care that maximizes patient survival and quality of life.
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