UAE International Nuclear Medicine Conference Advocates For Enhanced Use Of Modern Technologies In Cancer Treatment

The recent UAE International Conference, held in collaboration with the Arab Society for Nuclear Medicine, concluded at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Participants emphasised the importance of enhancing training programmes for medical staff and integrating modern technologies in nuclear medicine. These advancements are crucial for diagnosing and treating cancer and chronic diseases effectively.

Recent progress in molecular imaging and radioisotope radiotherapy offers promising prospects. These techniques enable precise healthcare by targeting diseased cells while sparing healthy tissue. This approach minimises side effects and improves treatment success rates significantly.

Dr. Batoul Al Balooshi, a key figure in nuclear medicine, highlighted a significant shift in treating cancers unresponsive to traditional methods. "Today we are witnessing a major shift in how we deal with some types of cancer that did not respond to conventional chemotherapy or radiation," she stated. Advanced nuclear medicine has successfully treated 15 patients with prostate and endocrine tumours.

Dr. Al Balooshi noted that the UAE boasts advanced infrastructure with 14 specialised centres across various emirates. These facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in nuclear medicine. The integration of precise diagnosis and targeted therapy enhances recovery chances, offering patients improved quality of life.

The conference's final day featured scientific sessions on nuclear medicine's latest developments, particularly for thyroid cancer treatment. Discussions covered diagnostic therapy "Thyranostix," integrated program building, challenges in oncological surgery, and managing thyroid cancer post-radioactive iodine therapy.

Exploring New Treatment Options

Sessions also explored prostate cancer treatment advancements using targeted radiotherapy. Experts discussed future prospects over the next decade, innovative concepts for imaging PSMA receptors, Lu-PSMA 617's role in advanced cases, and compared Lu-177 with TB-161 as promising treatments.

At the conference's conclusion, experts underscored the need for joint scientific research support and regional cooperation. Initiatives to raise community awareness about nuclear medicine's role in early disease detection were also highlighted as essential steps forward.

The conference showcased nuclear medicine's potential to transform healthcare through precise diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies. As these technologies evolve, they promise to enhance patient outcomes significantly across various medical fields.

With inputs from WAM