KFNCCC Leads The Way In Pediatric Cancer Treatment With Advanced Techniques And High Survival Rates

The King Fahad National Centre for Children's Cancer (KFNCCC), part of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), plays a vital role in pediatric oncology across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Established in 1997, it has become a significant hub for medical innovation and hope. The centre treats over 500 new cases annually and conducts 150 stem cell transplants each year, matching the outcomes of top global institutions.

In recent years, KFNCCC has introduced advanced T-cell engineering therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, treating around 30 patients since 2019. This local availability of cutting-edge treatments has significantly reduced the need for children to seek medical care abroad. The centre's efforts have made advanced therapies more accessible to children in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.

The Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation program at KFNCCC is a regional leader, performing approximately 150 transplants annually. Over the past two decades, more than 3,162 transplants have been completed, with 24% using alternative methods such as unrelated donors or umbilical cord blood. This program offers crucial options for children without suitable family donors, providing hope for those with conditions like leukemia and genetic disorders.

Since 2019, KFNCCC has treated 31 retinoblastoma cases through its intra-arterial chemotherapy program in collaboration with King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital. Additionally, four high-risk neuroblastoma cases have been treated with radiation therapy since 2020. These efforts reflect the centre's dedication to comprehensive care for complex pediatric diseases.

Treatment outcomes at KFNCCC are promising, with a survival rate of 90% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and 95% for nephroblastoma patients. The overall survival rate for various tumor types stands at 88%, highlighting the quality of care provided. These figures offer hope to patients and families facing challenging diseases.

KFNCCC integrates specialized research into its clinical care, ensuring effective application of the latest treatment methods. Strong international partnerships with organizations like the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) enable access to advanced treatments and clinical trials.

Global Recognition

KFSHRC has achieved notable recognition, ranking first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world's top academic medical centers for two consecutive years. It is also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East according to Brand Finance rankings for 2024.

Furthermore, Newsweek magazine included KFSHRC among the world's best hospitals and listed it as one of the World's Best Smart Hospitals for 2025. These accolades underscore its status as a leading institution in healthcare innovation and excellence.

With inputs from SPA