First successful CAR-T Cell therapy for cancer patients in Oman

Muscat: The University Medical City, represented by the National Centre for the Treatment of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, has successfully implemented the first Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in the Sultanate of Oman, utilising national medical personnel and international partnerships.

This achievement marks a pioneering medical milestone, positioning Oman among regional leaders in providing advanced and precision treatments for blood cancer patients.

CAR-T cell therapy is one of the latest immunotherapies, where T-cells are extracted from the patient, genetically modified, and then reinfused to precisely target cancer cells.

The treatment has shown remarkable response rates in patients with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), particularly for those unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Nabhani, Assistant Professor at Sultan Qaboos University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Consultant Hematologist specializing in lymphoma and cellular therapy at the University Medical City, stated that this accomplishment reflects the rapid advancement of Oman’s healthcare sector in biomedical innovation.

He emphasised that this high-efficacy treatment, previously limited to select international centers, now offers hope to patients and their families at the University Medical City in Oman.

In his turn, Dr. Murtadha Khamis Al Khabouri from Sultan Qaboos University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Senior Consultant in Hematology and Head of the Hematology Department at the University Medical City, explained that the therapy’s implementation resulted from collaboration between the lymphoma and myeloid oncology team, bone marrow transplantation, and cellular therapy at the National Centre for Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, the Ministry of Health’s Overseas Treatment Department, and academic partners from the Fortis Memorial Research Institute.

The goal is to localise cutting-edge medical technologies, establish a national center for advanced therapies, and translate research into clinical applications.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sultan Salim Al Harthi, Director of the Overseas Treatment Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that this treatment is part of key programs to localise specialised care, easing patient burdens and delivering top-tier medical services within Oman.

By introducing CAR-T therapy through the University Medical City, Oman takes a step toward medical self-sufficiency and cost reduction compared to overseas referrals, supported by substantial investments in national workforce training and global collaborations to ensure compliance with international standards.