Transforming cancer care in the UAE and beyond
In the heart of Abu Dhabi, a quiet revolution in cancer care is unfolding. Within Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center is transforming how cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed in the region. What once seemed a distant hope for many — world-class oncology care available locally without the need for patients to seek treatment abroad — is now a reality.
More than just a medical facility, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center is offering a comprehensive cancer care model form prevention and longevity, to diagnosis, treatment, and mental and social support. The center boasts 24 clinical departments and specialised programmes for most types of cancers, including blood, breast, gastrointestinal, and neurological cancers. It pioneers several research programmes and clinical trials, positioning itself at the forefront of cancer innovation in the region.
By combining cutting-edge medical technology with a compassionate, patient-centreed approach, the center represents a shift in what’s possible in healthcare, setting a new standard in cancer care not just for the UAE, but for the broader region as well.
Patients at the Fatima bint Mubarak Center benefit from some of the most innovative treatments available today, offering new hope to those with limited options.
One such groundbreaking treatment is Ethos adaptive radiotherapy, a technique that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to tailor radiation therapy plans in real time. Unlike traditional radiation methods, which rely on a fixed plan based on initial scans, Ethos adapts during each treatment to reflect changes in the patient’s tumor or body. This personalised approach not only maximises the effectiveness of treatment but also minimises exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, significantly reducing side effects.
For liver cancer patients, radioembolization (TARE-Y90 therapy) offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Tiny radioactive beads are delivered directly to the tumour through blood vessels, shrinking or eliminating cancer while sparing healthy liver tissue.
Another innovative treatment gaining traction at the center is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure for patients with prostate cancer. The technology uses ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancerous cells in the prostate, offering a less invasive and more comfortable alternative to traditional surgery or radiation.
This approach reflects the Fatima bint Mubarak Center’s commitment to offering options that are both effective and gentle on the body.
While these technologies are impressive, the true strength of the center lies in its multidisciplinary teams. Oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and support staff work together, not only providing expert clinical care but also offering the emotional and psychological support patients need. This holistic approach profoundly impacts patients’ well-being, ensuring they feel supported at every step.
The Fatima bint Mubarak Center is not only a hub for groundbreaking technology but also for world-class expertise. The center has brought together some of the world’s top minds in oncology to ensure that patients in the UAE have access to the best possible care. Led by Dr Stephen Grobmyer, Chair of the Oncology Institute, the center has assembled a team of highly specialised oncologists with expertise across surgery, radiation, and medical oncology.
This depth of expertise has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless patients.
Since opening in 2023, the center has already made a profound impact. In just two years, it has welcomed over 5,100 new cancer patients, conducted more than 52,000 clinic visits, delivered 12,500 chemotherapy infusions, performed nearly 14,000 imaging studies, and carried out over 2,400 cancer surgical procedures. But these numbers represent more than statistical milestones — they reflect lives transformed through world-class cancer care.
Behind each figure is a patient given a fighting chance, a renewed outlook on life, and, in many cases, a second chance at living cancer-free.
The Fatima bint Mubarak Center is not just keeping pace with global oncology advancements — it is actively shaping the future of cancer care in the region. Through locally conducted clinical trials, the center is pioneering cutting-edge treatments and therapies with the potential to revolutionise oncology. These trials not only provide patients with access to the latest treatments but also contribute to global cancer research. By focusing on the unique demographics and healthcare needs of the region, the center ensures that the treatments developed and tested are both innovative and relevant, bringing world-class, personalised care closer to home.
A landmark initiative in this effort is the Emirati Genome Program (EGP), the first of its kind in the UAE, launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). In partnership with M42 and DoH, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is providing comprehensive genetic cancer screening at a population level, aiming to identify genetic risk factors among UAE Nationals and adopt a proactive approach to cancer prevention.
To support those at higher genomic risk, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center offers specialised genetic counseling, ensuring patients receive personalised care tailored to their unique genetic profiles.
Through these initiatives, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center is advancing cancer treatment and transforming prevention. By embracing innovation, it is shaping a future of more personalised, effective, and proactive cancer care, ensuring the UAE remains a leader in global oncology research and treatment.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Fatima bint Mubarak Center is redefining cancer care in the region, bringing world-class treatment closer to home. For years, many believed the most advanced oncology care could only be found abroad, but this center is changing that narrative. With cutting-edge treatments, pioneering research, and a deeply compassionate approach, it offers more than medical care — it offers hope.
Patients no longer face cancer alone but with the support of expert oncologists, multidisciplinary teams and groundbreaking personalised therapies.
As a hub for innovation, the center is not just meeting today’s challenges but shaping the future of cancer care in the UAE and beyond.
For more information:
Visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or call 800 8 2223
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