In October 2022, Abu Dhabi launched the region's first Personalised Precision Medicine Programme for Oncology. This initiative, led by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), aims to provide tailored treatment and prevention plans for cancer patients. So far, 256 Emirati patients have benefited from personalized care, with genetic screenings for 47 genes enhancing their treatment.
The program also focuses on prevention, offering tailored plans to 207 family members of patients with inherited gene mutations. This proactive approach aims to reduce cancer risk in future generations. Additionally, 200 individuals aged 25-50 from the Emirati Genome Programme were tested for gene variants linked to various cancers, receiving personalized prevention plans if identified as high-risk.
Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, emphasized the importance of collaboration in healthcare to improve patient outcomes. She highlighted the program's role in advancing diagnostics, drug therapy, and prevention, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position in life sciences.
Stephen Grobmyer, Chair of the Oncology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, praised the UAE's leadership and support for the program, which aims to implement effective cancer prevention and treatment on a national level.
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East. It is known for its modern architecture and rich culture.
Precision Medicine is a way of treating patients by considering their individual differences, like genes and lifestyle, to provide the best care possible.
Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of cancer.
Emirati refers to people who are from the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East.
Genetic Screenings are tests that look at a person's DNA to find changes or mutations that might cause diseases like cancer.
Inherited Gene Mutations are changes in genes that are passed down from parents to their children, which can sometimes lead to diseases.
The Emirati Genome Programme is a project that studies the genes of Emirati people to understand health and disease better.
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