Advancing molecular pathology in Morocco: current landscape, challenges, and pathways for integration into precision medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The advent of molecular pathology and precision medicine represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalized treatment strategies, particularly in oncology. This paper examines the current landscape of molecular pathology in Morocco by identifying the challenges and opportunities for integrating these advancements into the Moroccan healthcare system.METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive national survey targeting pathologists across Morocco to gather insights into the availability, use, and training in molecular pathology techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). The survey aimed to understand the barriers to and opportunities for the adoption of precision medicine.RESULTS: The survey revealed limited use of molecular pathology techniques, with only 23% (16) practice at a laboratory equipped with PCR, 16% (11) with FISH, and 10% (7) work at a pathology laboratory equipped with NGS. The adoption of these techniques is recent, indicating a nascent stage in the integration of molecular pathology in Moroccan clinical settings. Despite the potential of molecular diagnostics, 65% (42) of pathologists reported a lack of specialized training, underscoring significant educational and infrastructural challenges.CONCLUSIONS: This first national survey, which aims to evaluate the use of Molecular Pathology in Morocco, reveals that the integration of molecular pathology into Morocco’s healthcare landscape is at a critical juncture. Addressing the highlighted challenges through concerted efforts can significantly advance the adoption of precision medicine, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes. Our study offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of this transition, with potential implications for similar healthcare contexts globally.