First CAR-T immunotherapy in Abu Dhabi

The treatment took 5 weeks at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre hospital. From the source

Doctors at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, part of PureHealth Group, have successfully manufactured the CAR-T-based cellular product for the first time in the UAE to treat an 11-year-old boy with acute leukemia (leukemia).

This type of treatment is a medical breakthrough in the treatment of leukemia.

The case of the child «Murad» began when it was discovered that he had leukemia more than five years ago, and then underwent treatment and was cured of it, but leukemia returned to him about six months ago, so he underwent chemotherapy, according to the known treatments specified for his condition, but he did not respond to treatment, and for this reason CAR-T cell therapy became the only possible treatment option for him.

The procedure at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre involved the manufacture of the cellular product CAR-T, which relies on the use of immune cells from the child, where doctors drew blood from it, according to a special protocol for extracting immune cells, and then genetically modified them and allowing them to multiply in an enclosed environment in the laboratory of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center.

The treatment took five weeks at the hospital affiliated with the Certified Stem Cell Transplant Centre in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi is based on several pillars that make it a destination for medical care, the most important of which are the ambitious government support and guidance, its advanced infrastructure, health facilities and distinguished competencies."