Riyadh, June 21, 2024 — In a historic announcement, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh revealed its groundbreaking success in producing CAR-T cells for cancer treatment. This achievement marks an unprecedented milestone in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Significance of the Achievement:
- Cost Reduction: The cost of treatment has dramatically decreased from 1.3 million SAR ($346,700) to 250,000 SAR ($66,700) per case, making it more accessible to patients.
- Time Efficiency: CAR-T cell therapy can now be administered within just 14 days, significantly improving patient outcomes.
- Increased Accessibility: This breakthrough allows a larger number of patients in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region to receive cutting-edge cancer treatment.
What Are CAR-T Cells?
- Genetically Modified Immune Cells: CAR-T cells are immune cells that have been genetically modified to specifically target cancer cells.
- Promising Treatment: Considered one of the most promising new cancer therapies, CAR-T cells have shown remarkable efficacy in treating certain types of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
For those unfamiliar with King Faisal Specialist Hospital, it has recently been ranked among the top 250 academic healthcare institutions globally for 2024. Achieving the 20th position worldwide and the 1st in the Middle East and Africa, this recognition solidifies the hospital’s leadership in the healthcare sector.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting-edge medical research and innovation continues to elevate its status as a hub for healthcare excellence. The successful production of CAR-T cells represents a beacon of hope for cancer patients across the region.
