Doha: The National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) will focus on establishing a stem cell donor registry in Qatar amid plans to perform at least 20 stem cell transplantations annually, says a senior official.
Since 2013, NCCCR has performed more than 35 stem cell transplants on patients with cancer and on patients of non-cancerous blood disorders. However, at least 80 patients require a stem cell transplant annually, said Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Alhiji, Head of Hematology, at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)’s NCCCR.
He was speaking at a media briefing yesterday on HMC’s significant developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
“We are dealing with blood related disorders, both cancerous and non-cancerous such as related to inherited blood diseases. Since the launch, the services have seen major developments in hematology and improved services are giving the best outcome and patient safety,” said Dr Alhiji. According to him, between 35 and 38 autologous stem cell procedures were conducted since 2015 and two allogeneic transplants since 2017.
“More than 80 cases are in need of stem cell transplant a year. This includes pediatric, adults, Qatari and non Qatari patients. We are trying to perform at least ten autologous and another ten allogeneic transplants per year. It is possible to do this with the present facilities at the NCCCR,” said Dr Alhiji. “We are also looking at addressing the challenge of establishing a stem cell donor registry. We are planning to have a registry which will be unique,” he added.
During an autologous procedure, healthy stem cells are collected from the patients’ blood using a special mobilisation process and equipment. These cells are collected in advance and returned at a later stage. They are used to replace stem cells that have been damaged by high doses of chemotherapy, used to treat the person’s underlying disease. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation involves the transfer of stem cells from a genetically similar healthy person (known as the donor), to a patient (known as the recipient), following high-intensity chemotherapy or radiation. It is used to eliminate cancer and restore a patient’s blood and immune systems. Due to the time it takes to build the immune system back up after the transplant, several months of close expert monitoring are needed to prevent complications following the procedure.
Both processes are done at NCCCR and considered as the most convenient and safe method for the patient and donor. Dr Alhiji also said that during an allogeneic stem cell transplantation, it is easy to find a donor for Qatari patients as their family members reside here. However, for residents, NCCCR has entered into a partnership with Qatar Red Crescent to bring a matching donor from home country.
“It’s not easy to find a donor for a non Qatari. So we have approached the Qatar Red Crescent and they will facilitate and bear all expenses to bring a family member or sibling who could be a donor,” he added.
