Abu Dhabi: The 3rd Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Gene Therapy Congress has begun in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the UAE’s growing leadership in pediatric BMT and gene therapy. The two-day event gathers 600 leading experts in pediatric hematology, oncology, and transplant medicine from 24 countries.
The congress is being held in collaboration with renowned international hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Texas Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cincinnati Children’s, and the National Cancer Institute Cairo.
Dr. Zainul Aabideen, Consultant and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and BMT at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), and Conference Chair, delivered the UAE’s progress in pediatric BMT. Zainul Aabideen stated that, “Since performing our first pediatric bone marrow transplant in 2022, the UAE has successfully developed its capabilities, treating over 50 children from 18 countries.”
Prof. Rupert Handgretinger, Prof. Emeritus at Children’s University Hospital in Germany and Conference Co-Chair, underscored the importance of global collaboration. Rupert Handgretinger stated that, “This congress not only underlines the achievements of the UAE’s healthcare sector but also facilitates the sharing of best practices with experts from around the world.”
The congress will cover a wide range of topics, including improvements in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for conditions like hemoglobinopathies, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. A special focus will also be on the latest in gene therapies, such as ex vivo gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies and CAR T-cell therapies for pediatric solid tumors.
Other sessions will address challenges in cellular therapy, clinical trials, and strategies to accelerate global access to innovative treatments. Key discussions will also investigate long-term patient care management and the global pediatric BMT community’s lessons.
Throughout the congress, the top three research papers will be awarded, with the event desired to further strengthen collaboration and drive innovation in pediatric bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy, improving developments for young patients globally.