King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) shared its pioneering experience in treatment of liver cancer using the Radioembolization technique (injecting the radioactive material directly into the artery feeding the tumor) (TARE-Y90) at the first edition of the International BRICS Expert Forum on Nuclear Medicine. The forum commenced its activities on Thursday, the 20th of this month in Saint Petersburg, Russia, gathers a distinguished group of experts, developers, and manufacturers of radiopharmaceuticals, as well as representatives from oncology centres, treatment facilities, and relevant authorities within the group.
In his address at the forum, Professor. Abdulaziz Alsugair, a nuclear medicine consultant, highlighted the hospital’s successes in applying the innovative, minimally invasive cancer treatment. This treatment option combines arterial embolization and radiotherapy, precisely targeting specific areas in the liver by directing high-precision radiation using tiny radioactive particles directly into the blood vessels feeding cancer cells, thereby improving patient quality of life and recovery rates.
Professor Alsugair’s participation included an introduction to KFSHRC and the journey of the King Abdullah Centre for Oncology and Liver Diseases (KACO&LD). He also provided an overview of hepatocellular carcinoma, its prevalence, treatment options, and detailed the stages of treatment using the radioembolization technique, emphasizing its impact on patient quality of life.
Established in 2005 as the first and largest centre for oncology and liver diseases in the Middle East, KACO&LD offers the latest treatment methods, including Radioembolization. This technique aims to maximize the destruction of tumor cells while preserving healthy liver tissue, resulting in reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and fewer potential complications compared to traditional surgical interventions.
During the forum, Dr. Mohammed Alqahtani, a senior research scientist in the Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department at KFSHRC, discussed the modern trend of using alpha-emitting isotopes in treatment. He explained their production methods, techniques, and medical applications, highlighting their ability to accurately target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy tissues, which enhances treatment efficacy and reduces side effects.
Dr. Alqahtani also highlighted the extensive capabilities of the hospital’s Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department in utilizing imaging isotopes for the medical diagnostics of cancer patients, from the early 1990s to the present day, reflecting the significant progress in medical and diagnostic imaging technologies at the Oncology Centre.
The forum aims to exchange knowledge and expertise on scientific advancements in diagnosing and treating various cancerous and non-cancerous tumors using radiopharmaceutical carriers. Discussions include the development and production of innovative medical devices and radiopharmaceuticals, as well as training skilled professionals to improve citizens' quality of life and increase life expectancy.
It is noteworthy that King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally, in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally in the same year, it was ranked among the world's best 250 hospitals by Newsweek magazine.