Kuwait City – The National Bank of Kuwait Hospital has achieved a remarkable success rate of over 97 percent in 42 stem cell transplants for children, according to a recent announcement by the Ministry of Health. Dr. Sondos Al-Shraideh, the Head of the Department of Hematology, Pediatric Cancer, and Stem Cell Transplantation at the hospital, shared several groundbreaking developments within the department. Among these is the introduction of “therapeutic photopheresis” for children who experience complications after stem cell operations, which has shown to have a positive impact on post-operation challenges and improve overall outcomes for young patients.
Looking ahead, the Department plans to implement engineered cell therapy for pediatric acute leukemia patients who have not responded well to traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Al-Shraideh expressed optimism about this upcoming advancement, highlighting its potential to revolutionize treatment approaches for leukemia in children. The hospital also utilizes therapeutic apheresis in cases of infection affecting the skin, liver, or intestines, particularly for skin complications of the third and fourth degree. The use of therapeutic photopheresis in these cases has yielded remarkable results, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to innovative and effective medical interventions.
The Department’s future plans include the introduction of engineering cellular therapy, which aims to address acute and challenging leukemia cases that don’t respond well to conventional chemotherapy or experience difficult relapses. With a success rate exceeding 95 percent, this cutting-edge therapy represents a qualitative leap in Kuwait’s medical landscape. The hospital’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art medical care for pediatric patients in Kuwait is apparent through these advancements and contributes to a positive future for healthcare in the region.
