ABU DHABI (WAM)
The 3rd Emirates Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Gene Therapy Congress began on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to advancing paediatric BMT and gene therapy.
The two-day congress brings together 600 leading experts in paediatric haematology, oncology, and transplant medicine from 24 countries.
It is held in association with prestigious 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.
This year’s congress highlights the milestones achieved by the region’s medical community. Dr. Zainul Aabideen, Consultant and Head of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and BMT at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) and Conference Chair, presented the UAE’s accomplishments in paediatric BMT.
“We have successfully developed our bone marrow transplant capabilities since our first paediatric case in BMC in 2022. Now, with the support of our medical teams and authorities, the UAE and the region possess the expertise to expand these capabilities, helping more patients locally and internationally,” he stated.
He further shared his team’s experience in successfully performing bone marrow transplants for over 50 children from 18 countries, highlighting the strides made in the field.
Prof. Rupert Handgretinger, Prof. Emeritus, Children’s University Hospital, Germany and Conference Co-Chair, added, “This congress not only highlights the achievements of the UAE’s healthcare sector but also fosters collaboration with global experts to share knowledge and best practices. These shared insights will be instrumental in strengthening clinical capabilities across the region.”
The Congress features a series of key sessions and interactive discussions, focusing on groundbreaking advancements and emerging trends in paediatric BMT and gene therapy.
Key topics include advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), covering strategies for treating both malignant and non-malignant conditions such as hemoglobinopathies, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders.
Experts will also explore the latest innovations in gene therapies, including updates on ex vivo gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies and advancements in CAR T-cell therapy for paediatric solid tumours.
Furthermore, the congress will delve into the challenges in cellular therapy and clinical trials, discussing ways to align scientific, regulatory, and clinical approaches to accelerate global access to therapies.
Additional sessions address long-term patient care management, post-transplant complications, and valuable lessons from the global paediatric BMT community. During the congress, the top three research papers will receive awards.
The two-day conference, featuring experts from leading hospitals in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, is expected to encourage collaboration and innovation that will shape the future of paediatric bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy, contributing to improved outcomes for young patients worldwide.