On 13 – 14 April 2026, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Tishk International University successfully launched the 6th National Tishk Pharmacy Conference (NTPC) under the theme:
“Sustainable Development Perspectives in Cancer: Emerging Global Trends and Therapeutic Advancements.” The event was organized in collaboration with Mass Group (diamond Sponsor) and Charazati Sherko.

The event commenced with a series of opening speeches delivered by distinguished leaders of the university. Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi, Head of the Board of Trustees, officially opened the conference with an inspiring address highlighting the remarkable achievements and continuous growth of the university.

Following this, Prof. Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi, President of Tishk International University, warmly welcomed the attendees and expressed his appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in hosting such a significant scientific event.

The opening session concluded with a speech by Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdulsamad Salahuddin, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, who emphasized the importance of the conference in advancing cancer research, fostering academic collaboration, and promoting innovative and sustainable approaches in healthcare. The sessions were smoothly facilitated by Dr. Shiva Serwan, who served as the host for the first day.

The opening day featured a series of engaging scientific sessions that brought together academics and researchers to discuss innovative approaches in cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment.

The conference began with the first session, chaired by distinguished faculty members, hosting three keynote speakers. Dr. Reem Abou Assi, a well-known pharmaceutical scientist, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Healing Beyond Pills: A Gel-Based Strategy for Breast Cancer Management,” highlighting novel drug delivery approaches. She was followed by Dr. Zjwan Mohammed, Assistant Professor, who presented “Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: From Epidemiological Trends to Molecular and Hematological Biomarkers,” focusing on diagnostic advancements. The session concluded with Dr. Najmaddin Khoshnaw, Assistant Professor, who explored “Comparative Effects of Vaping and Cigarette Smoking on Hematological Parameters in Young Male University Students,” emphasizing public health concerns.

The second session featured four speakers addressing diverse aspects of cancer care. Dr. Jaafaru Sani discussed “Colorectal Cancer Care for the Future,” covering epidemiology and sustainable treatment innovations. Dr. Subasini Uthirapathy, Assistant Professor, presented “Breast Cancer: Pathophysiology, Early Detection, and Modern Treatment Strategies.” Dr. Javed Ahamad, Assistant Professor, highlighted the “Role of Kurdish Ethnomedicinal Plants in Cancer Care,” while Dr. Mohammad Aslam, Assistant Professor, introduced “Theranostic Agents: A Transformative Paradigm in Precision Cancer Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy.”

In the third session, three speakers focused on natural and advanced therapeutic approaches. Dr. Ahmad Hamdy, Lecturer, presented “Investigating Natural Compounds from Agarwood for Cancer Activity.” Dr. Peshawa Shafiq, Assistant Professor, shared insights on “The Anticancer Secret of Kurdish Wildflowers: A Phytochemical Journey through Anchusa Species.” The session concluded with Dr. Rojan Arif, Assistant Lecturer, who discussed “Liposomal Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy.”

The fourth session concluded the first day with three impactful presentations. Dr. Dania Awni, Assistant Lecturer, explored “Genomic Profiling of Gastric Adenocarcinoma,” focusing on biomarkers such as XRCC1, IL-8, and Bcl-2 in the Kurdistan Region. Dr. Shajwan Salar, Assistant Lecturer, presented “Breast Cancer in Young Women Under 40: 10 Years of Insights from Iraqi Secondary Data.” Finally, Dr. Alaa Amer, Assistant Lecturer, discussed “Cytokeratin as Serum Tumor Markers in Ovarian Cancer.”

The first day of the conference demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing cancer research and promoting sustainable and innovative healthcare solutions, setting a high standard for the second day of the event.

Second Day

The Faculty of Pharmacy successfully conducted the second day of the 6th National Tishk Pharmaceutical Conference online, bringing together researchers, faculty members, and students. The sessions were professionally facilitated by Dr. Helin Hayder, who served as the host of the second day of the conference.

During the sessions, researchers presented a wide range of topics. Dr. Faheem Hayder, Asst. Prof., discussed “CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies to target and destroy cancer.” Dr. Ahmad Nawzad Hassan, Lecturer, presented on “Psychological consequences of cancer (stress, depression, and sleep disturbance).” Dr. Hazha Omar Othman, Lecturer, highlighted “Nanomaterials and Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Drug Delivery Systems,” while Dr. Sawsan S. Al-Rawi, spoke on “A Natural Therapeutic Approach as a Potential Intervention in Ovarian Cancer.”

In the second session, Dr. Beriwan Ali, Lecturer, presented “Quantifying the Global Burden of Infection-Associated Cancers: A GBD and Epidemiological Perspective.” Dr. Nawsherwan Sadiq Mohammad, Asst. Prof., discussed “Reasons of treatment switching from first generation to second and third generations of TKIs among CML patients in Iraq–Kurdistan region (2014–2024).” Dr. Halmat Jaafar, Lecturer, addressed “Contemporary Perspectives on Molecular Drivers, Diagnostic Advances, and Precision Therapeutics in Prostate Cancer.” Dr. Alan Riyadh Mohammed, Lecturer concluded with “Recent and Novel Pharmacological Therapeutics for Breast Cancer.”

At the conclusion of the conference, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the speakers and organizers in recognition of their valuable contributions and efforts in ensuring the success of the event. Overall, the conference not only highlighted significant scientific advancements in cancer research and treatment but also promoted a culture of good health and well-being, quality education, innovation, responsible use of natural resources, and strong partnerships. Through its diverse topics and collaborative efforts, the event reflected a broader commitment to sustainable development within the healthcare sector. The successful completion of this conference reflects the tremendous hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the Faculty of Pharmacy. It particularly highlights the invaluable contributions of the faculty Dean, Head of the department, coordinators, staff and organizers, whose tireless efforts ensured the event’s success. Their commitment underscores the faculty’s strong pursuit of excellence and its dedication to advancing sustainable development perspectives in cancer care.