Abu Dhabi:The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre has underscored its collaborative efforts with the United Arab Emirates in enhancing blood cancer treatment and expanding medical training opportunities. This collaboration was a focal point during the First Emirates Hematology Forum, which commenced today in Abu Dhabi.
According to Wam, Dr. Swaminathan Iyer, a Professor of Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, highlighted the UAE's progress in making advanced immunotherapies available for blood cancer patients. These include chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, significant recent advancements targeting cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma.
The initiative aims to develop national medical talent and help healthcare professionals in the UAE stay abreast of the latest global treatment advancements. Dr. Iyer emphasized the importance of making advanced treatments accessible within the UAE and adapting global medical innovations to local healthcare needs.
Dr. Iyer also noted the increasing use of immunotherapies as alternatives to traditional chemotherapy, with some advanced treatment response rates rising from 60-70% to nearly 95-100% in certain studies. Furthermore, he mentioned ongoing research into bispecific and trispecific antibody therapies as additional strategies for treating blood cancers.
In terms of medical talent development, several UAE physicians have undergone training at MD Anderson Cancer Centre. Others have completed specialized training at top institutions in the US and UK before returning to contribute to patient care in the UAE. This collaboration has also facilitated further training for UAE-based medical teams in the US, enhancing clinical expertise and knowledge exchange in hematology.
Dr. Iyer highlighted the longstanding scientific and professional relationship between MD Anderson's Department of Leukemia and Lymphoma and regional medical professionals, which has evolved over several years. This relationship has been strengthened through training programs hosting UAE physicians, promoting sustained knowledge exchange among specialists.
The growing presence of hematology in Abu Dhabi presents further opportunities to expand this collaboration, increasing the number of physicians and trainees benefiting from specialized training programs and scientific exchanges.