AAIB supports AI-powered cancer treatment in Upper Egypt

Arab African International Bank is expanding its support for Egypt’s healthcare system after signing on to help bring an integrated artificial intelligence-powered radiotherapy system to Upper Egypt, a move aimed at improving access to advanced cancer treatment in the region.

The Cairo-based lender signed an agreement with Siemens Healthineers to supply Assiut University Hospitals with a comprehensive oncology platform that combines AI-driven treatment planning and precision radiation delivery.

The bank said it is the first private lender in Egypt to finance a fully integrated radiation therapy system as part of its corporate social responsibility program. 

The move comes as demand for cancer care rises across the country, especially in Upper Egypt, where many patients travel long distances for specialized treatment.

Hospital officials say limited access to modern radiotherapy equipment has contributed to long waiting lists and delayed care. 

By backing the project, AAIB is seeking to ease pressure on public hospitals and improve outcomes for patients who often face both financial and logistical hurdles in their treatment journey.

Integrated oncology platform 

The system includes a TrueBeam linear accelerator and a CT simulator, designed to work together from diagnosis through treatment.

The technology uses artificial intelligence to help doctors plan radiation doses more precisely and target tumors in real time. 

According to the partners, the integrated setup is expected to reduce human error, shorten treatment sessions and improve patient comfort.

Hospital officials said the streamlined process could also help cut waiting times. 

Tamer Waheed, deputy chairperson and managing director of AAIB, said the bank sees the project as part of its long-term commitment to underserved communities.

He said the new system would give oncology patients in Upper Egypt access to treatment standards more commonly found in larger cities.

Partnership across sectors 

Diaa El-Shennawy, head of sales at Siemens Healthineers Egypt, said closer integration between diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy is becoming central to cancer care.

He said the collaboration supports safer treatment decisions and helps medical teams work more efficiently. 

Mohamed El-Shahawy, head of Varian Egypt and North East Africa, said the system relies on artificial intelligence from dose calculation to tumor targeting.

“We are not just providing a radiation device, but an integrated system designed to support a precise and safe treatment process,” he said. 

Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, president of Assiut University, described the acquisition as a major step for university hospitals in Egypt.

He said the partnership with AAIB would help reduce the burden on cancer patients in Upper Egypt and bring advanced care closer to home.