Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
A year ago, Abdullah, a brave 9-year-old boy battling the life-threatening challenges of thalassemia, underwent a groundbreaking bone marrow transplant at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC). Despite suffering major complication during his course of treatment, today, Abdullah is thriving, cured of thalassemia, and enjoying a life free from the burdens of his former condition.
This success marks a significant milestone for ADSCC, showcasing outcomes on par with international standards and reinforcing its position as a leader in cellular therapy and genetic disorder treatments.
The procedure, a sibling-donor allogenic bone marrow transplant, was made possible by Abdullah’s 20-year-old sister, who was a perfect match and donated her stem cells. While the transplant itself was a success, Abdullah faced an extremely rare and life-threatening complication—diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, a pulmonary condition with high mortality risk.
In a collaborative effort between ADSCC’s Pediatric Hematology team and one of Abu Dhabi’s leading Pediatric Critical Care units, the team utilised advanced life-saving techniques, including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), to stabilise Abdullah and ensure his recovery. This integrated approach exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in healthcare.
Dr. Mansi Sachdev, Clinical Lead and Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Consultant at ADSCC, led the team managing Abdullah’s case. Reflecting on his journey, she shared: “Abdullah’s resilience was extraordinary. His journey wasn’t easy, but his determination and the collective dedication of our teams made his recovery possible. Today, we celebrate his strength and the promise of a brighter future for children with genetic disorders.”
Dr. Sachdev added, “Our comprehensive hematology department, backed by state-of-the-art facilities including an advanced apheresis unit and stem cell laboratory, provides seamless care to patients with blood disorders. From initial diagnosis and treatment to stem cell transplantation, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring, our exceptional hematologists ensure continuity of care and support.
"Recognised as a center of excellence and accredited by the Foundation of Accreditation for Cellular Therapy and as a Center of Excellence in Bone Marrow Transplant by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, we have attracted patients from across the UAE and region for bone marrow transplants. We take pride in our outstanding clinical outcomes for blood disorders like blood cancers, genetic diseases like Thalassemia and Krabbe disease, and autoimmune diseases like MS and Lupus, showcasing our commitment to exceptional patient care and medical excellence.”
Dr. David Dennison, Hematology & BMT Consultant at ADSCC, added: “Abdullah’s story is a testament to the transformative capabilities of ADSCC’s Bone Marrow Transplant Program. Our outcomes are on par with the best centers globally, and we are proud to offer curative treatments for conditions like thalassemia right here in the UAE.”
With more than 140 BMT performed in couple of years, ADSCC’s Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program (AD-BMT©) has raised the bar of what is possible in cellular therapy. Since its inception, the program has successfully performed full-match sibling transplants and expanded to include haploidentical (half-match) transplants, enabling access to lifesaving treatments for patients who lack fully matched family donors.
Reflecting on Abdullah’s journey, his uncle, Saif Al Blooshi, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “We are truly thankful to the incredible team at ADSCC for curing Abdullah. To have such advanced treatment available in UAE is a blessing. We no longer have to travel abroad for care, and that’s a gift we will never take for granted. Since his birth, Abdullah used to have blood transfusions monthly and lived on medications and suffered a lot. The medical team has played a vital role in saving his life during the most critical moments. Abdullah now has the chance to live a healthy, full life, and for that, we thank Allah and all the dedicated doctors and nurses.”
With hundreds of thousands of newborns affected by thalassemia each year and millions worldwide carrying the gene, ADSCC continues its efforts to finding cure for a wide range of diseases.
Patients with thalassemia often endure lifelong blood transfusions and limited life expectancy. The ability to cure this condition locally not only changes lives but also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
ADSCC continues to advance the field of cellular therapy and genetic medicine, providing patients with a future where transformative treatments are accessible.
