Abu Dhabi Precision Medicine Programme Offers Tailored Support To 256 Emirati Cancer Patients

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched the region's first Personalised Precision Medicine Programme for Oncology in October 2022. This initiative, in collaboration with strategic partners, has provided customised treatment plans to 256 Emirati cancer patients in Abu Dhabi. The programme also includes personalised prevention strategies.

Eligible patients underwent screening for 47 genes to enhance their clinical care. Genetic counsellors and specialists developed tailored treatment and prevention plans for a select group of cancer patients to boost treatment effectiveness and recovery rates. The programme also created preventive plans for 207 family members of patients with inherited gene mutations linked to specific cancers, aiming to reduce future cancer risks.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in healthcare. She stated, "In an ever-evolving sector such as healthcare, it is crucial for stakeholders from both public and private sectors to come together to address the most common diseases, improve patient outcomes and enhance therapeutics in line with international standards and best practices."

Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, Chair of the Oncology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, praised the initiative's leadership. He said, "This groundbreaking initiative has been made possible by the visionary leadership of the UAE, along with the unwavering support of M42 and the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. Their commitment to advancing healthcare in the country is truly commendable."

The programme's ambitions extend beyond oncology. Dr. Al Mannaei mentioned plans to consolidate learnings and address other chronic diseases affecting community health. She expressed pride in the programme’s achievements so far and a commitment to using innovation and research to advance precision medicine outcomes globally.

Additionally, 200 more patients aged 25-50 were randomly selected from the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) for testing gene variants that increase risks for breast, ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancers. High-risk individuals received tailored prevention plans and were referred to specialised clinics for monitoring and lifestyle changes.

The proactive approach aims at effective diagnostics, drug therapy, and prevention tailored to individual needs. This reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for life sciences.

The programme represents a significant step towards implementing effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies nationwide. By leveraging unique resources and expertise, it aims to deepen understanding of cancer prevention across diverse populations.

With inputs from WAM