KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Health disclosed that the National Bank of Kuwait Hospital has successfully conducted 42 stem cell transplants for children, achieving an impressive success rate exceeding 97 percent. Dr. Sondos Al-Shraideh, the Head of the Department of Hematology, Pediatric Cancer, and Stem Cell Transplantation at the National Bank of Kuwait Specialized Hospital for Children, shared the groundbreaking developments within the department.

One of the notable additions to their services is the introduction of "therapeutic photopheresis" for children who experience complications such as anastomosis after undergoing stem cell operations. Dr. Al-Shraideh emphasized the positive impact of this new service in addressing post-operation challenges and improving overall outcomes for young patients.

Looking ahead, the Department plans to implement engineered cell therapy for pediatric acute leukemia patients who have not responded positively to traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Sondos Al-Shraideh expressed optimism about this upcoming advancement, highlighting its potential to revolutionize treatment approaches for leukemia in children.

Dr. Al-Shraideh also discussed the utilization of therapeutic apheresis in cases of infection affecting the skin, liver, or intestines. Specifically, she pointed out that instances of infection in Kuwait and at the National Bank of Kuwait Hospital involve skin complications of the third and fourth degree. The application of therapeutic photopheresis in these cases has yielded remarkable results, further establishing the hospital's commitment to innovative and effective medical interventions.

Looking to the future, the Department envisions the introduction of engineering cellular therapy, marking a significant qualitative leap in Kuwait's medical landscape. With a success rate surpassing 95 percent, this cutting-edge therapy aims to address acute and challenging leukemia cases that do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy or experience difficult relapses. The anticipation surrounding these advancements underscores the hospital's dedication to providing state-of-the-art medical care for pediatric patients in Kuwait.