Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing the UAE’s first ovarian preservation procedure on a 7-year-old Emirati girl diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This procedure carried out in collaboration with ART Fertility Clinic, underscores ADSCC’s dedication to innovative pediatric oncology care and improving patient outcomes.
The young patient faced a challenging battle with a resistant form of leukaemia that did not respond to initial chemotherapy and conventional treatments. Her condition later stabilised with targeted therapy, but ADSCC’s pediatric haematologists determined that a bone marrow transplant was necessary for a definitive cure. The patient’s half-matched brother served as the donor.
Given the potential fertility risks associated with the high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation required for the transplant, ADSCC, with the consent of the patient’s parents, opted for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). This procedure involved removing the ovary and transferring it to ART Fertility Clinic in Abu Dhabi for processing and preservation. The ovarian tissue was cut into thin strips, treated with cryoprotective agents, and stored in liquid nitrogen at around -196°C (-320.8°F) for long-term preservation. The tissue may be reimplanted in the future to restore the patient’s fertility.
Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), remarked, “Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector has made significant strides in enhancing the health and well-being of the Emirate’s community and beyond.” He noted that the sector’s pioneering strategies, advanced infrastructure, and talented workforce have enabled remarkable achievements like ADSCC’s latest success.
Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at ADSCC, stated, “This milestone not only represents advancements in pediatric oncology and fertility preservation but also aligns with our vision to lead in cutting-edge medical practices and patient-centred care within our Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme (AD-BMT). By offering fertility preservation options, such as ovarian cryopreservation, we provide solutions for female cancer patients whose treatments may impact future fertility. We also continue to explore alternative options for post-puberty male patients while advancing our understanding of suitable solutions for pre-puberty male patients.”
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