Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Advances Breast Cancer Care
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is making significant strides in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment through its newly established Fatima Bint Mubarak Center. This facility aims to address the rising incidence of breast cancer in the UAE, providing comprehensive care that integrates advanced technology and personalized treatment plans.
The Growing Challenge of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a major health concern worldwide, with one in eight women facing a diagnosis in their lifetime. According to the World Health Organization, it ranks as the second most common cancer globally, with 2.3 million new cases reported in 2022. In the UAE, the situation is similarly alarming; in 2023, there were 1,456 new breast cancer cases, accounting for 20.5% of all newly diagnosed cancers and over a third of those affecting women, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Center: A New Era in Cancer Care
Opened in 2023, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Center has already welcomed over 82,000 patients. Modeled after Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center in the United States, this facility combines genetic testing, advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and surgical expertise. By collaborating with various partners, the center aims to enhance local capabilities for early detection and treatment tailored to the specific needs of the UAE population.
Innovative Risk Mapping and Genetic Testing
A key component of the center’s approach is breast cancer risk mapping, which identifies women with inherited genetic mutations that elevate their risk of developing the disease. The Hereditary High-Risk Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is transforming preventive care and increasing patient awareness in alignment with national genomic screening initiatives. Women with mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or those with a significant family history of cancer, can benefit from proactive measures, including enhanced monitoring or surgical options. The program also provides genetic counseling and personalized risk management plans to empower patients in their healthcare decisions.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Advanced imaging technologies play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi employs state-of-the-art imaging methods, including 3D mammography and MRI-guided biopsies, to identify tumors before symptoms arise. The Breast Imaging Suite, staffed by dedicated female specialists, offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools, enhancing the accuracy of breast cancer detection.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment
Every breast cancer diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is supported by a coordinated, multidisciplinary treatment plan tailored to the individual patient’s tumor biology and personal circumstances. This collaborative approach ensures that surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists work together from the outset, allowing for precise and effective treatment strategies.
Surgical Innovations
The center is at the forefront of surgical advancements in the UAE, having performed nearly 800 breast cancer surgeries since its opening. Notably, it introduced the nation’s first robotic mastectomy, which minimizes trauma and accelerates recovery. Additionally, the center is pioneering preventive bypass surgery for lymphedema, a condition affecting one in five post-operative breast cancer patients.
Cutting-Edge Therapies
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is also innovating in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The introduction of AI-driven adaptive radiotherapy, the first of its kind in the UAE, allows for real-time adjustments to treatment based on daily anatomical changes, enhancing safety and precision.
Comprehensive Support and Wellness Programs
The hospital emphasizes holistic care through its Lifestyle Medicine Programme, which includes initiatives focused on fitness, nutrition, and stress management. These programs are designed to support patients in their recovery and help them regain control over their lives post-treatment.
Collaborative Care Planning
The Tumor Board at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Center brings together experts from various specialties to co-create personalized care plans for each patient. Led by Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, the program has seen an average annual increase of 25% in new patients, supported by a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals, including breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and genetic counselors.
Pioneering Research and Future Directions
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is committed to advancing breast cancer treatment through research and innovation. It is the first hospital in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to participate in a global clinical trial for a new Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader (SERD), which has the potential to change how breast cancer recurrence is managed.
Additionally, the hospital is piloting BioTwin’s virtual human twin technology, which utilizes AI and advanced analytics to create digital replicas of patients. This technology aims to enhance early detection, predict disease progression, and tailor personalized interventions.
Educational Initiatives
As an official teaching hospital, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is dedicated to advancing medical education through high-level symposia, such as the International Breast Cancer Symposium. These efforts reinforce its status as a global leader in research and knowledge exchange.
Future Innovations in Cancer Treatment
In a landmark development, the hospital is set to open the UAE’s first heavy-ion therapy facility, one of only 15 worldwide. This facility will serve both local and regional patients, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment options.
FAQs
What services does the Fatima Bint Mubarak Center offer?
The center provides a comprehensive range of services, including genetic testing, advanced imaging, surgical interventions, chemotherapy, and personalized wellness programs.
How does the center support patients after treatment?
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers a Lifestyle Medicine Programme that focuses on fitness, nutrition, and stress management to help patients recover and regain control over their lives.
What role does genetic testing play in breast cancer care?
Genetic testing helps identify women at higher risk for breast cancer, allowing for proactive monitoring and personalized risk management plans tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is redefining breast cancer care through innovative approaches that integrate advanced technology, personalized treatment, and comprehensive support. As the center continues to expand its services and research initiatives, it is poised to significantly impact breast cancer outcomes in the UAE and beyond.
Also Read:
Holistic Medicine’s Growth in the UAE: A New Healthcare Era
