‘Pediatric hematology, oncology witnessing rapid developments’

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 5: Pediatric Hematology Association President Dr. Sundus Al-Shuraideh stated that the field of pediatric hematology and oncology is witnessing rapid and unprecedented developments due to the diversification of treatment options and advancements in diagnostic techniques, therapies, stem cell transplantation, immunotherapies, cellular therapies and gene therapy.

Al-Shuraideh made the statement on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Third Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Forum, during which he confirmed the diversity and comprehensiveness of the scientific agenda of the forum, depicting the complete journey of a patient -- from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and long-term follow-up. She disclosed that the forum combines scientific lectures with practical training through a variety of workshops, such as managing pain in children, and methods for assessing and controlling it. She indicated that the forum agenda includes bleeding and coagulation disorders, hemophilia, physical therapy for hemophilia patients, peripheral catheterization training, and Port-A-Cath care. The forum participants stressed the need to support scientific research, establish national databases and registries, strengthen Gulf and international cooperation, develop stem cell transplantation programs and cellular and gene therapies, and invest in the training of Kuwaiti specialists.

On the other hand, President of the Saudi Hemophilia Society and Saudi Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia Society Dr. Mohammad Al-Shahrani considers the forum a vital step towards building stronger bridges of medical cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Al-Shahrani explained that childhood hematological and oncological diseases have no geographical boundaries, and that the challenges transcend national and institutional borders, hence, the shared responsibility to strengthen coordination. Professor Muslim Al-Saidi, President of the Saudi Pediatric Society, stated that the gathering of experts and specialists from the Gulf countries and other countries around the world affirms the importance of cooperation and the exchange of expertise in developing healthcare services for children, particularly the hematological and oncological diseases.