Supporting 256 citizens suffering from cancer with personalized treatment plans

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulatory body for the healthcare sector in the emirate, in cooperation with its strategic partners, has succeeded in providing personalized treatment plans to 256 citizen cancer patients in Abu Dhabi, since it launched the personalized precision medicine program for treating oncology, the first of its kind in the region in the month of May. October of 2022.

Within the framework of the program, customized treatment and preventive plans were provided to a selected group of cancer patients using a personalized approach that is supported by consultants and genetic disease specialists who provide their recommendations to improve the efficiency of treatment and enhance the means of recovery. Eligible patients underwent screening covering 47 genes to improve the clinical care provided to them.

To reduce the risk of developing tumors, personal preventive plans were developed through the program for 207 patients’ relatives and family members whose results showed that they carry inherited genes that increase their chances of exposure to certain types of cancer, in order to ensure that proactive preventive measures are taken for them and to enhance ways to protect them from contracting the disease in the future. .

Also within the program, an additional 200 participants aged between 25 and 50 years, who were randomly selected from the Emirates Genome Program, underwent genetic mutation tests to discover any mutations that increase their risk of developing breast, ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancer, and preventive plans were developed for those with high risks designed according to Their needs are carefully monitored and based on their genetic information. High-risk individuals without symptoms are referred to specialized clinics to undergo careful monitoring, receive the necessary procedures, and be guided toward the necessary changes in their lifestyles.

In this context, Dr. Asmaa Ibrahim Al-Mannai, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “The evolving landscape of the healthcare sector calls for strengthening cooperation between various concerned parties from the public and private sectors to address the most common diseases, and improve treatment options for patients and their outcomes to ensure It is consistent with the best international standards and practices. With the emergence of the importance of genetic technologies in developing today’s healthcare landscape, the Department of Health and its partners can contribute to this landscape by making genetic discoveries, analyzing molecular pathways, and developing new targets for biomarkers. Through this proactive approach, we aim to enhance the efficiency of diagnosis, drug and preventive treatment, and design these options in a way that suits the needs of each individual, thus consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for life sciences.”

Al-Mannai added: “We look forward to expanding the scope of the precision personalized medicine program to go beyond just dealing with tumors during the next stage, as we aim to unify knowledge and mobilize efforts to be able to confront other chronic diseases that threaten the health and well-being of community members. We are proud of what the program has achieved to date and we continue in our commitment to employing innovation.” And research to develop the results of precision medicine, and lead efforts to formulate preventive plans and strategies to provide a role model from Abu Dhabi to the entire world.”

Dr. Steven Grubmeier, Chairman, Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Oncology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the vital importance of this program, adding: “This innovative initiative represents the result of the insightful vision of the wise leadership of the UAE, and the unlimited support provided by M42 and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The program is a vital step towards implementing effective preventive and therapeutic programs to combat cancer at the national level. By harnessing our unique resources and expertise, we aim to enrich our understanding of treatments Cancer and disease prevention plans applied to different population groups, in an effort to reduce the burden placed on cancer patients.”

The program has proven its significant positive impact on society with its success in designing treatment plans according to the genetic profile of individuals and specific mutations. It has been able to improve the efficiency of treatment, reduce side effects, as well as develop personalized treatment plans, reduce resistance to treatment, and provide important information to predict the disease.

In line with its commitment to advancing oncology care, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi recently published guidelines on testing for inherited genetic mutations to screen for germline breast and ovarian cancer to assess predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease.

It is worth noting that the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi launched the Precision Personalized Medicine Program for Oncology Treatment in cooperation with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and G42 Healthcare in 2022, as the first program of its kind in the region that aims to improve genetic testing, prevent disease, enhance the efficiency of diagnosis, and make decisions. Effective treatment for breast cancer patients, which consolidates the department’s endeavor to build the future of health care based on the latest technologies and enhance the emirate’s position as a center for innovation in life sciences.