Abu Dhabi: M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Gunma University in Japan to accelerate research and innovation in heavy ion therapy, one of the most advanced and precise forms of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. This collaboration aims to enhance scientific understanding and expand the clinical applications of this cutting-edge technology.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership emerged during a delegation visit to Japan by M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The three entities will exchange knowledge, expertise, and research to further scientific advancements in heavy ion therapy. This collaboration builds on a recent partnership with Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation to establish the region’s first heavy ion therapy facility in Abu Dhabi, introducing innovative cancer treatment technology to the Middle East.
The upcoming facility will be strategically located on the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi campus, near the Fatima bint Mubarak Centre, enhancing access to this treatment for patients across the Middle East. With no similar centre within a five-hour flight of the UAE, this initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a centre of excellence in oncology and precision medicine.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the commitment to providing advanced treatments, stating that the partnership with Gunma University exemplifies their vision. By combining clinical expertise with Gunma’s leadership in heavy ion therapy, the collaboration aims to advance scientific knowledge and lay the groundwork for a new era of cancer care in the region.
President Ishizaki Yasuki of Gunma University highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing heavy ion therapy through research and innovation. He noted that partnering with M42 would expand the reach of this transformative therapy, fostering international collaboration and ensuring broader patient access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment.
Gunma University has been a leader in radiation oncology and nuclear medicine in Japan for decades. The Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Centre, established in 2005, has played a significant role in refining heavy ion radiotherapy by integrating radiation biology, clinical studies, and advanced treatment technologies.