By Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in Jeddah is the only Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) center in the Western region. The BMT program has expanded significantly over the past year with the help and support of the Saudi government and KFSH&RC high administration in both Riyadh and Jeddah.

“A total of 34 bone marrow transplants were carried out in the last year and we will approach up to 50 BMTs this year if not more depending on the resources and plans of expansion which will happen next month,” said Dr. Bassim Albeirouti, Consultant of Adult Hematology & BMT & Patient Advocacy Representative, Department of Oncology at KFSH&RC.

A quick comparison between past and present cancer treatments shows that while in the 20th century cancer treatment was based on Chemotherapy, 21st century treatment is more dependent on Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs) such as the Monoclonal Antibody Therapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy.

“KFSH&RC is among the best BMT centers in the whole world. The BMT program in Riyadh,” concluded Dr. Albeirouti.