Egyptian researcher Islam Elkholy named among Innovators Under 35 – MENA 2025
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابAn Egyptian researcher based in Canada has been named among the winners of the Innovators Under 35 (IU35) – MENA 2025 award, which recognizes young innovators whose work has demonstrated the potential to create meaningful scientific and technological impact across the Middle East and North Africa
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Islam Elkholy, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Oncology at McGill University, was selected as one of 20 innovators honored this year. His work focuses on cancer progression and metastatic relapse, one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide
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According to the award announcement, Elkholy’s research aims to identify therapeutic targets and predictive approaches that could help limit the spread of cancer and prevent metastatic recurrence. His work highlights a potential therapeutic target that may suppress the reactivation of metastatic disease, particularly in breast cancer
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The recognition coincides with recent research findings in which Elkholy played a leading role, examining the phenomenon of cancer cell dormancy. This process involves cancer cells migrating from the primary tumor to distant organs and remaining inactive for extended periods before reactivating and causing relapse
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The study identified a key protein involved in the survival of dormant cancer cells, suggesting that targeting this mechanism could enable researchers to eliminate these cells before they trigger metastatic recurrence. Elkholy has noted that understanding the biological factors that allow cancer cells to survive during dormancy could help guide future clinical trials and improve long-term outcomes for high-risk patients.
Elkholy moved to Canada in 2016 to pursue advanced research training, transitioning from clinical interests to a focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying disease. He later completed a PhD in molecular biology, concentrating on the survival and reawakening of disseminated breast cancer cells
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He currently continues his work at McGill University as a postdoctoral researcher and holds a fellowship supported by a Canadian cancer research organization. As he advances in his academic career, Elkholy aims to expand the impact of this research by developing new biomarkers and innovative therapeutic strategies to help patients avoid cancer recurrence years after initial treatment.
