Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre Achieves Milestone In Testicular Cryopreservation For Four Boys Before Bone Marrow Transplants

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has achieved a significant milestone by performing testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) on four young patients aged 2, 7, 4, and 10. These procedures were conducted before the boys underwent bone marrow transplants to treat various diseases, including immunodeficiency, leukemia, and thalassemia. This advancement marks the first of its kind in the UAE, showcasing ADSCC's dedication to innovative pediatric care.

Before their bone marrow transplants, the children received high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation. The parents were informed about potential fertility risks associated with these treatments. ADSCC physicians explained how TTC could help preserve future fertility for their children. The procedures took place in 2024 at ADSCC with parental consent.

Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at ADSCC, expressed pride in this achievement: "At ADSCC, we achieved a groundbreaking milestone earlier this year by performing the first ovarian tissue preservation procedure for a 7-year-old girl. Today, we are proud to announce another remarkable achievement of successfully performing testicular tissue cryopreservation for four young male patients." This success highlights advancements in pediatric care and fertility preservation.

The surgical process involved removing testicular tissues in a one-hour procedure by ADSCC Pediatric Surgeons. A multidisciplinary team of urologists, anesthesiologists, and bone marrow transplant physicians supported them. The tissues were then sent to an Abu Dhabi Fertility Center for processing and preservation.

Dr. Mansi Sachdev from ADSCC stated that integrating TTC into treatment plans is a key milestone: "A key milestone in ADSCC journey is the successful integration of testicular tissue preservation into the treatment plans of young male patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation." This approach was seamlessly incorporated into comprehensive care involving chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dr. Sleiman Gebran described the meticulous surgical procedure: "The surgical procedure involved carefully removing a small portion of the testicular tissue while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding anatomy and functionality." This precision ensures spermatogonial stem cells are preserved for potential future use.

Leading Healthcare Innovations

In 2023, ADSCC was designated as a Centre of Excellence for Bone Marrow Transplantation by Abu Dhabi's Department of Health. It became the first UAE center accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) in 2024. These recognitions highlight its commitment to excellence in advanced cellular therapy services.

TTC involves slicing testicular tissue into thin strips treated with cryoprotective agents before freezing at ultra-low temperatures around -196°C (-320.8°F). This method allows preservation for up to 25 years or more with potential reimplantation possibilities later on.

Pioneering Medical Practices

This accomplishment underscores ADSCC’s leadership in regional healthcare advancements, particularly in cellular therapy research across fields like oncology and reproductive health. By focusing on immediate treatment needs alongside long-term quality-of-life goals through patient-centered care initiatives such as these pioneering practices set new benchmarks within UAE’s healthcare landscape.

With inputs from WAM