Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital’s Hemato-Oncology Centre boosts hope for cancer patients

Leukaemia and lymphoma are among the most common forms of blood cancer. They are often difficult to detect early and emotionally overwhelming for patients as well as families. However, they are no longer a death sentence, says Dr Mohamad Azzam Ziade, Consultant in Medical Oncology at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. “With today’s advanced treatments, many patients go on to live long, healthy lives.”

Bringing these cutting-edge treatments and medical technologies under the guidance of an experienced team of oncology specialists is Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital’s Hemato-Oncology Centre. It follows a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of patients with haematological malignancies.

The centre will soon launch a state-of-the-art Bone Marrow Transplant Centre to further elevate care for haemato-oncology patients. Under the leadership of Dr Ziade and Dr Annu Susan George, Consultant in Medical Oncology, it is expected to become the new destination for patients from the UAE and beyond.

Haematological malignancies

Leukaemia originates in the bone marrow and disrupts white blood cell production, weakening the immune system. Lymphoma, on the other hand, develops in the lymphatic system and is often identified through swollen lymph nodes.

Although the exact causes of these cancers are unclear, genetic predisposition, exposure to harmful chemicals or radiations, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and lifestyle choices such as smoking have been identified as risk factors.

Why early diagnosis is necessary

As early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, early signs though vague should not be overlooked, explains Dr Annu Susan George. “Common symptoms include persistent fatigue or weakness, frequent infections, fever or night sweats, swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits or groin), easy bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain and unexplained weight loss.”

Diagnosis involves a combination of tests, including blood tests to detect abnormalities, bone marrow and lymph node biopsies, and imaging (PET-CT, MRI) to assess disease spread.

Advances in cancer treatments

It’s not only diagnostic tools that have seen development in recent times but also therapies, which have witnessed significant breakthroughs.

Treatment at the Hemato-Oncology Centre is tailored to each patient’s condition and profile and includes chemotherapy based on modern protocols, radiation therapy, and bone marrow or stem cell transplants for select cases, in addition to targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

“These modern therapies are designed to target cancer cells precisely, minimising damage to healthy tissue,” explains Dr George. “This translates into improved outcomes and reduced side effects.”

Thanks to advances in oncology, survival rates for cancers have improved dramatically. “Hodgkin lymphoma has cure rates exceeding 85 per cent,” says Dr Ziade. “Many forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukaemia show strong responses to early treatment.

“While each patient’s journey is unique, remission or full recovery is increasingly achievable.”

From diagnosis to recovery and survivorship, Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital’s Hemato-Oncology Centre offers holistic care that extends beyond medical treatment to include psychological and emotional support, nutritional guidance, long-term follow-up, and support for families and caregivers. Its integrated, patient-first model, world-class expertise and empathetic care can make all the difference.