The UAE has also been in the first steps of developing personalized immunotherapy by introducing its first Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) cancer treatment program – the first of its kind in the region. This new therapy isolates and clones immune cells of a patient, which are used to combat cancer and has provided new hope to those having advanced tumors and exhausted their existing methods of treatment. The program is an observational study conducted under the Department of Health (DOH)-approved observational, which is an important milestone in precision medicine and makes the UAE one of the most innovative countries regarding advanced cancer care.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
This is the first study where researchers have isolated TILs on breast and lung tumors in the UAE. These are the strong immune cells, which are taken out of the tumor of the patient and subsequently, they are cloned in a sophisticated laboratory environment and later they are introduced back into the body. After reinjection, they specifically attack cancer cells and leave healthy tissue intact (after destruction) . This is a big gain compared to the non-specific mode of chemotherapy. TILs, unlike the traditional therapies, are a living therapy constructed entirely out of the biology of the patient itself, and boosting his or her immune defenses.
This procedure is already proving to be a spectacular success in melanoma treatment in the world and has enormous potential in other solid tumors like cervical, lung and head and neck cancers.
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A Strategic Milestone for UAE Healthcare
The implementation of the TILs program in the time before the UAE National Day indicates the willingness of the country to innovate medicine and provide excellent care to the patients. The program which is conducted in improved and GMP compliant facilities that fulfill the requirements globally has eliminated the need of the patients travelling to other countries in search of advanced treatment. The program, supported by the Department of Health (DoH), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and SEHA, is one of the components of an even greater, comprehensive cancer care ecosystem.
The first tumor samples will be planned, the clinical trials will be upsweetened and, in the long term, TIL therapy will be offered to all qualified patients in the country. This innovation puts the UAE in the position of a scientific studies and individual healthcare solutions hub.
