Strengthening Lusophone Collaboration in Cancer Research: Highlights from the First PALOP/ CPLP International Scientific Conference on Cancer in Africa

Authors

  • Lúcio Lara Santos Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI- IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
  • Howard Lopes Ribeiro Junior Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
  • Lina Mamige Vilanculo Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
  • Faizana Amodo Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
  • Carlos David Ferreira Alone Selemane Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
  • Pâmela Cristina Carvalho Borges Agostinho Neto University Hospital, Praia, Cape Verde
  • Liudmila Castelo David Dr. Ayres de Menezes Central Hospital, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Bubacar Embaló Simão Mendes National Hospital, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
  • Carla Bicho Retired physicians, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Manuel Bicho Retired physicians, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Beatrice Mainoli Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI- IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
  • Teresa Garcia Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI- IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
  • Mateus Webba da Silva Ulster University, London, United Kingdom
  • Paulo Salamanca Heroes of Kifangondo Hospital, Luanda, Angola
  • Fábio da Silva Angolan Institute for Cancer Control, Luanda, Angola
  • Ketha Robuz Francisco National Directorate of Public Health, Luanda, Angola
  • Eliane Azevedo Lubango Central Hospital, Lubango, Angola
  • Mauro Pinto Angolan Institute for Cancer Control, Luanda, Angola
  • Júlio Santos Multi Perfil Clinic, Luanda, Angola
  • Maria Lina de Menezes Antunes Lubango Central Hospital, Lubango, Angola
  • Fortunato Ribeiro Silva Lubango Central Hospital, Lubango, Angola
  • Balbina Menezes Hungulo de Oliveira Lubango Central Hospital, Lubango, Angola
  • Luísa Pereira i3S, UP Porto, Porto, Portugal
  • Filomeno de Jesus Pires Coelho Fortes Organic Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34635/rpc.1174

Keywords:

Cancer Research Collaboration, Lusophone Countries, Cancer Control in Africa, PALOP/CPLP

Abstract

The First PALOP/CPLP International Scientific Conference on Cancer was convened in Benguela, Angola, on 25 September 2025, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and policymakers from Portuguese-speaking countries across four continents. The meeting addressed the current landscape of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Africa, with particular emphasis on the structural barriers and emerging collaborative opportunities shaping oncology across the lusophone world. Scientific sessions encompassed molecular oncology, infection-associated malignancies, precision medicine, and regional cancer control strategies, collectively underscoring the urgency of coordinated, multilateral action. A defining outcome of the conference was the consensual drafting of the Lusophone Cancer Charter, a strategic document delineating actionable recommendations for cancer policy harmonization and research cooperation among Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) member states. This report synthesizes the key scientific contributions, thematic discussions, and collaborative commitments emerging from the conference, highlighting their potential to catalyse more equitable and evidence-based oncology practice across the lusophone world.

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Published

2026-03-02

Issue

Ahead of Print

Section

Current Perspectives

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