Celebrating Two Years of Pioneering Cancer Care: The Fatima bint Mubarak Center's Achievements
By SARA ALZAABI, Abu Dhabi
On Wednesday, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marked a significant milestone, celebrating its second anniversary with an impressive record of achievements in cancer care, treatment, and research. Since its inauguration in 2021, this center has established itself as a cornerstone of oncological services in the region, administering over 25,000 treatments and welcoming nearly 70,000 patients. The celebration underscored the Center’s commitment to advancing cancer care in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader Middle East.
To commemorate the occasion, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center organized a media roundtable, which featured an esteemed panel of experts from its Oncology Institute. Led by Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, the Institute Chair of the Oncology Institute, the discussion also included distinguished professionals such as Dr. Fady Geara, Chair of Radiation Oncology; Dr. Usman Ahmad, Division Chair of Thoracic Surgery; and Dr. Fawad Khan, Staff Physician specializing in Longevity Medicine.
In a mere two years, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center has become synonymous with compassionate and advanced oncology care. Its multifaceted approach has facilitated the provision of a wide range of services, from chemotherapy and radiation therapy to surgeries, assisting 69,892 patients across 24 specialized departments. This multifarious capability has established the center as a leading facility not only in the UAE but also throughout the Middle East.
A Patient-Centric Paradigm of Care
The center’s innovative initiatives have not only enhanced the lives of patients within the UAE but have also made significant impacts across the region. Among its notable advancements is the UAE’s first robotic mastectomy, alongside the introduction of the Middle East’s inaugural heavy-ion therapy facility. Dr. Grobmyer articulated a vision for cancer care that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with patient-focused service.
“What distinguishes our treatment protocols is not merely the presence of world-class technology; it is the synergy created between that technology and our skilled healthcare teams,” he remarked during the event. He emphasized that the center’s advanced AI-driven adaptive radiation therapy represents a paradigm shift in treatment personalization. This innovative approach allows for daily reimaging of patients, yielding precise adjustments in treatment that can significantly impact outcomes, particularly in sensitive cases such as prostate cancer.
Further innovations are seen in AI-assisted diagnostic technologies like colonoscopy and mammography, which function as adjuncts to human expertise, ensuring that pre-cancerous conditions are detected earlier and more accurately. “AI serves as an invaluable ally, enhancing our ability to discern subtle changes that might evade the naked eye,” Dr. Grobmyer noted, reinforcing the idea that technological advancements are enhancing, rather than replacing, the human element in healthcare.
Comprehensive Cancer Care Programs
The Fatima bint Mubarak Center has also launched targeted programs aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by female patients, especially those diagnosed with breast cancer. “From prevention to post-treatment care, we have a dedicated team that ensures comprehensive support,” said Dr. Grobmyer, highlighting the center’s success in performing several advanced procedures, including the first robotic mastectomy in the Middle East.
Dr. Khan further elaborated on the center’s distinctive Longevity Medicine Programme, which stands out globally. This initiative focuses on two primary groups: individuals at high risk for developing cancer and those who have already been diagnosed. The program encourages proactive screening measures and lifestyle adjustments that play a crucial role in prevention. “The primary goal is to not just treat cancer but to ensure healthy longevity,” he stated.
For existing cancer patients, the center introduces a holistic care framework that addresses side effects and provides ongoing support, affirming that patient care should extend beyond mere treatment.
Embracing Technological Advancements
During the discussion, the significance of robotics in enhancing surgical outcomes was another focal point. Dr. Ahmad stressed the transformative potential of robotic-assisted surgery in thoracic oncology and beyond. “Robotic-assisted technology is reshaping cancer treatment by offering minimally invasive options that improve patient recovery time and surgical precision,” he explained.
Additionally, Dr. Geara discussed recent advancements in radiation therapy, including the pioneering interstitial brachytherapy program for gynaecologic cancers, which have historically faced limitations in treatment efficacy. “Our institution is committed to innovative practices that push the boundaries of what is achievable in oncology care,” he affirmed.
As the Fatima bint Mubarak Center looks to the future, its ambition remains ambitious and clear: to not only participate but to lead in the global discourse on oncology, aiming for significant advancements in genomics and overall cancer treatments. “The ultimate vision is to make cancer less prevalent while ensuring that when treatment is necessary, it is both safe and effective,” Dr. Grobmyer concluded.
In light of its remarkable achievements and continued dedication to innovation, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center stands as a beacon of hope and a model of excellence in cancer care both regionally and globally.
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