Muscat – The National Centre for Haematology and Marrow Transplantation at the University Medical City has successfully performed the nation’s first CAR-T cell therapy. This sophisticated procedure was conducted in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University. The treatment represents a qualitative leap in medical services, as the CAR-T cells were entirely collected and prepared within national laboratories.

CAR-T cell therapy is recognized as one of the most advanced treatments for blood cancers. It involves the genetic modification of a patient’s own immune cells to enable them to identify and eliminate cancer cells with high precision. The process begins by collecting immune cells from the patient using apheresis technology, followed by genetic alteration in specialised laboratories before the cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body.

Dr Ibrahim Al Nabhani, a Consultant Haematologist, noted that this success reflects the high level of technical and human readiness within Oman’s medical system. He emphasised that having the infrastructure to prepare such treatments locally opens new horizons for advanced cellular therapy programs according to international standards. Furthermore, Dr Khalil bin Saleh Al Farsi, Head of the Haematology Department, stated that this strategic step aims to localise advanced treatments, reducing the necessity for patients to seek medical care abroad and establishing Oman as a regional leader in haematology.