World Campus May 2026 Session: the role of phytomedicine in oncology
Presentation by Bilinga M. Tendwa

In May, our World Campus welcomed Bilinga M. Tendwa, Director of the Global Phytomedicine Institute, for a thought provoking session on the evidence-based application of phytomedicine in oncology.

Phytomedicine, using plant derived medicines for prevention and treatment, has been part of healthcare for centuries and remains a primary source of care for much of the world’s population. Yet its role in cancer care is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Drawing on both traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, Bilinga explored how phytomedicine can contribute to more equitable, innovative, and patient centered oncology care. She highlighted the importance of rigorous research, pharmacogenomics, digital health technologies, and precision medicine in identifying safe and effective plant based therapies.

Particular attention was given to the opportunities for low- and middle-income countries, where access to conventional cancer treatments can be limited. By combining scientific evidence with local knowledge, phytomedicine may help expand access to supportive and evidence based cancer care worldwide.

The message was clear: the future of cancer care should embrace both innovation and evidence, ensuring that promising therapies, whether conventional or plant-based, are evaluated rigorously and made accessible to the patients who need them most.

Watch the full session here: