On 13-14 April 2026, Faculty of Pharmacy at Tishk International University’s conducted the 6th National Tishk Pharmaceutical Conference (NTPC), with the theme: “Cancer Sustainable Development Perspectives: Emerging Global Trends and Therapeutic Advancements”, and sponsored by Mass Group Holdings and Charazati Sherko.
Day 1
Dr. Shiva hosted the event with a wonderful speech on cancer research. Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi, Chair of the Board of Trustees, opened the conference with a motivational speech about the university’s extraordinary accomplishments and growth. Following him, Prof. Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi, President of Tishk International University, welcomed the delegates and expressed gratitude to the organizers for holding such a prominent scientific event. Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdulsamad Salahuddin, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, wrapped up the inaugural session by highlighting the conference’s importance in cancer research, academic collaboration, and sustainable healthcare. The first session featured three keynote speakers. Dr. Reem Abou Assi, gave a fascinating talk titled “Healing Beyond Pills: A Gel-Based Strategy for Breast Cancer Management,” which focused on unique medicine delivery modalities. Assistant Professor Zjwan Mohammed followed her with her presentation, “Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: From Epidemiological Trends to Molecular and Hematological Biomarkers,” which focused on diagnostic improvements. Dr. Najmaddin Khoshnaw, Assistant Professor, spoke about “Comparative Effects of Vaping and Cigarette Smoking on Hematological Parameters in Young Male University Students,” which raised public health concerns. The second session had four speakers who discussed a variety of cancer care topics. On “Colorectal Cancer Care for the Future,” Dr. Jaafaru Sani discussed epidemiology and long-term therapeutic advances. Assistant Professor Subasini Uthirapathy presented about “Breast Cancer: Pathophysiology, Early Detection, and Modern Treatment Strategies.” Dr. Javed Ahamad, Assistant Professor, lectured on the “Role of Kurdish Ethnomedicinal Plants in Cancer Care,” while Dr. Mohammad Aslam discussed “Theranostic Agents: A Transformative Paradigm in Precision Cancer Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy.” The third session had three speakers who explored natural and innovative medicines. Dr. Ahmad Hamdy spoke about “Investigating Natural Compounds from Agarwood for Cancer Activity.” Dr. Peshawa Shafiq, Assistant Professor, spoke about “The Anticancer Secret of Kurdish Wildflowers: A Phytochemical Journey through Anchusa Species.” The sessions concluded with Assistant Lecturer Dr. Rojan Arif discussing “Liposomal Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy.”
The first day concluded with three outstanding statements in the fourth session. Assistant Lecturer Dr. Dania Awni investigated “Genomic Profiling of Gastric Adenocarcinoma” in Kurdistan, looking for indications such as XRCC1, IL-8, and Bcl-2. Dr. Shajwan Salar, Assistant Lecturer, gave a presentation titled “Breast Cancer in Young Women Under 40: 10 Years of Insights from Iraqi Secondary Data.” Finally, Assistant Lecturer Dr. Alaa Amer spoke about “Cytokeratin as Serum Tumor Markers in Ovarian Cancer.” The first day of the conference demonstrated a strong dedication to cancer research and sustainable and innovative healthcare solutions, establishing a high standard for the second day.
Day 2
The Faculty of Pharmacy successfully hosted the second day of the 6th National Tishk Pharmaceutical Conference online for researchers, faculty, and students. Dr. Helin Hayder, the conference host for the second day, led the sessions with professionalism.
Throughout the sessions, researchers explored a wide range of topics. Assistant Professor Dr. Faheem Hayder Pottoo presented on “CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies to target and destroy cancer.” Dr. Ahmad Nawzad Hassan, Lecturer, spoke on “Psychological consequences of cancer (stress, depression, and sleep disturbance).” Dr. Hazha Omar Othman, Lecturer, presented “Nanomaterials and Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Drug Delivery Systems,” while Dr. Sawsan S. Al-Rawi discussed “A Natural Therapeutic Approach as a Potential Intervention in Ovarian Cancer.” Dr. Beriwan Ali, Lecturer, presented “Quantifying the Global Burden of Infection-Associated Cancers: A GBD and Epidemiological Perspective” in the second session, and Dr. Nawsherwan Sadiq Mohammad, Asst. Prof., discussed “Reasons of Treatment.” Lecturer Dr. Alan Riyadh Mohammed concluded with “Recent and Novel Pharmacological Therapeutics for Breast Cancer.” At the conference’s conclusion, speakers and organizers were presented with certificates of appreciation for their contributions to its success. The conference highlighted advancements in cancer research and treatment, as well as outstanding health, well-being, quality education, innovation, responsible natural resource use, and strong collaborations. The event’s diverse topics and partnerships demonstrated the healthcare sector’s commitment to sustainable development. The faculty of pharmacy extend sincere gratitude to honorable Dean, Dr. Abdul Samad for the constant encouragement, visionary leadership, and unwavering support that made this conference possible. Your guidance has been instrumental in shaping this event into a grand success and your commitment and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the event was executed flawlessly. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to our respected Head of the Department, Dr. Mohammad javed Naim for the meticulous planning, dedication, and tireless efforts in organizing this conference. Special thanks to the organizing committee, faculty members, Research assistants and technical assistants, whose hard work behind the scenes ensured the smooth conduct of this event.
