The University Medical City in Oman has achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully implementing the first Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in the Sultanate, utilizing national medical personnel and international partnerships. This achievement positions Oman among regional leaders in providing advanced and precision treatments for blood cancer patients.
Revolutionary Immunotherapy Approach
CAR-T cell therapy represents one of the latest immunotherapies, where T-cells are extracted from the patient, genetically modified, and then reinfused to precisely target cancer cells. The treatment has shown remarkable response rates in patients with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), particularly for those unresponsive to conventional therapies.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Nabhani, Assistant Professor at Sultan Qaboos University's College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Consultant Hematologist specializing in lymphoma and cellular therapy at the University Medical City, stated that this accomplishment reflects the rapid advancement of Oman's healthcare sector in biomedical innovation. He emphasized that this high-efficacy treatment, previously limited to select international centers, now offers hope to patients and their families at the University Medical City in Oman.
Collaborative Implementation Strategy
The therapy's implementation resulted from extensive collaboration between multiple specialized teams and international partners. Dr. Murtadha Khamis Al Khabouri from Sultan Qaboos University's College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Senior Consultant in Hematology and Head of the Hematology Department at the University Medical City, explained that the achievement involved coordination between the lymphoma and myeloid oncology team, bone marrow transplantation, and cellular therapy at the National Centre for Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation.
The collaborative effort also included the Ministry of Health's Overseas Treatment Department and academic partners from the Fortis Memorial Research Institute. The goal is to localize cutting-edge medical technologies, establish a national center for advanced therapies, and translate research into clinical applications.
Healthcare Localization Initiative
Dr. Sultan Salim Al Harthi, Director of the Overseas Treatment Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that this treatment is part of key programs to localize specialized care, easing patient burdens and delivering top-tier medical services within Oman. By introducing CAR-T therapy through the University Medical City, Oman takes a step toward medical self-sufficiency and cost reduction compared to overseas referrals.
The program is supported by substantial investments in national workforce training and global collaborations to ensure compliance with international standards. This localization effort will facilitate patient access and reduce the need to send patients abroad while maintaining international standards of care.
Clinical Impact and Future Prospects
The successful implementation of CAR-T therapy in Oman provides highly effective treatment with significant impact on improving patients' health outcomes. The therapy offers new hope to patients and families who previously had limited access to this advanced treatment option within the region.
This pioneering medical milestone demonstrates Oman's commitment to advancing its healthcare capabilities and establishing itself as a leader in precision medicine and immunotherapy treatments in the Middle East region.
