Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has successfully performed the UAE’s first ovarian preservation procedure on a 7-year-old Emirati patient diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, in collaboration with ART Fertility Clinic. This breakthrough reflects ADSCC’s commitment to keeping patient outcomes and quality of life at the heart of innovative care and advanced paediatric oncology care. The success of this procedure contributes to the Emirate’s continuous healthcare milestones, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in healthcare globally.

The young patient, battling a relapsed and refractory form of leukaemia, faced a challenging medical journey after her disease proved resistant to initial chemotherapy and conventional treatments. Her condition later stabilised with targeted therapy. To ensure a definitive cure, ADSCC’s Paediatric Haematologists determined a bone marrow transplant was needed, with the patient’s half-matched brother serving as the donor.

Recognising the potential fertility risks associated with the high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation required for the transplant, ADSCC medical experts with the consent of the patient’s parents proactively opted for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) with the consent of the patient’s parents in collaboration with ART Fertility Clinic. In a surgical procedure, the ovary of the young girl was removed and transferred to ART Fertility Clinic in Abu Dhabi for processing and preservation. This advanced technique process involved cutting the ovarian tissue into thin strips, which were then treated with cryoprotective agents to protect the cells from damage during the freezing process. The tissue is then slowly cooled and stored at very low temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen at around -196°C (-320.8°F) for at least 20 years, with the potential for future reimplantation to restore the patient’s fertility. OTC represents one of the latest techniques worldwide that offers promising potential for preserving fertility in the future if the ovaries are affected by chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said: “Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector has made great progress in improving the well-being of the community through pioneering strategies, advanced infrastructure, and skilled professionals. The recent achievement by the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) reflects the collaborative efforts of the emirate’s healthcare facilities to deliver top-notch care. The Department of Health remains focused on using science and technology to provide innovative treatments and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global healthcare leader..”

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Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center said, “We are proud to have successfully performed this procedure with our team of pediatric specialists, in collaboration with ART Fertility Clinic. This milestone highlights advancements in pediatric oncology and fertility preservation, aligning with our goal to lead in cutting-edge, patient-centered care through the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme (AD-BMT©). By offering fertility preservation options like ovarian cryopreservation, we provide solutions for female cancer patients affected by treatment, while continuing to explore options for male patients as scientific research advances..”

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi recently designated the ADSCC as a Center of Excellence for Bone Marrow Transplantation in the emirate. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and provides high-quality services for bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, adhering to the best global practices based on scientific evidence. Led by a specialized and internationally accredited team, the center ensures the best therapeutic outcomes for patients both within the emirate and beyond.

The ovarian preservation procedure was integrated into the patient’s overall treatment plan, which included the necessary high-intensity chemotherapy and radiation treatments prior to her bone marrow transplant procedure that was crucial for curing her leukemia. Now, three months post-transplant, the young patient is in remission, and her fertility options are preserved for the future.

This achievement highlights ADSCC’s pivotal role in advancing regional healthcare capabilities, notably in cellular therapy research and applications across various medical fields, including oncology, hematology and reproductive health. It further demonstrates the centre’s dedication to providing comprehensive, forward-thinking care that addresses both immediate treatment needs and long-term quality of life for patients.

Dr. Human Fatemi, Group Medical Director at ART Fertility Clinics said, “Our collaboration with ADSCC on this young girl’s treatment highlights the importance of combining medical expertise for the best patient outcomes. By addressing her immediate health needs and preserving her future fertility, we took a significant step forward in pediatric cancer care. Using advanced technologies, we remain committed to providing innovative and compassionate care for those in need.”