MUSCAT – The procedure, achieved using immune cells fully collected and prepared within national laboratories, marks a significant milestone in advanced cancer treatment and reflects the growing capabilities of Oman’s healthcare system in the field of haematology and oncology.
CAR-T cell therapy is one of the latest advanced treatments for blood cancers. It involves genetically modifying a patient’s own T-cells so they can recognise and target cancer cells more effectively. The process begins with collecting immune cells from the patient through apheresis, followed by genetic modification in specialised laboratories, before reinfusing them back into the patient.
Dr Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Nabhani, Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University and Consultant Haematologist at the National Centre for Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, described the development as a key milestone in advancing cell therapy programmes in Oman.
He said the successful implementation of the first treatment using locally collected T-cells reflects the high level of medical readiness in the country, both in terms of infrastructure and national expertise in haematology and stem cell transplantation.
He added that the achievement opens wider opportunities to expand advanced treatment programmes within Oman, enabling patients to access cutting-edge therapies in line with international standards.
Dr Al Nabhani noted that such treatments require close coordination between multidisciplinary teams, including haematologists, stem cell laboratory specialists, apheresis units, clinical pharmacists, and specialised nursing staff.
For his part, Dr Khalil bin Saleh Al Farsi, Head of the Haematology Department at the National Centre for Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at University Medical City, said the successful treatment represents a strategic step towards localising advanced therapies in Oman.
He said it confirms the efficiency of national capabilities in adopting advanced medical technologies and marks the beginning of efforts to develop an integrated national programme for CAR-T cell therapy.
He added that introducing this treatment will provide patients with advanced care options within Oman, reduce the need for overseas treatment, and strengthen the Sultanate’s position as a regional centre for blood disorders and cellular therapies.
The achievement forms part of ongoing efforts by University Medical City to strengthen partnerships with national institutions, localise advanced medical technologies, and develop national expertise, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare quality in the Sultanate of Oman.