Abu Dhabi: Palestinian boy beats rare cancer after 500-day battle

Dubai: Mahmoud, a three-and-a-half-year-old Palestinian boy from Abu Dhabi, has bravely fought and triumphed over neuroblastoma – a rare childhood cancer, after more than 500 days long battle involving a complex and multiple-stage treatment.

His story especially inspires hope today, February 15, which is observed as International Childhood Cancer Day.

Mahmoud's journey began at the age of two, when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, which primarily affects children under five and has an annual global incidence rate of 0.28 cases per 100,000 individuals.

Mahmoud’s grueling treatment regimen at Burjeel Medical City, led by experts from 14 specialties in the hospital, included a surgery to remove the tumour, sessions of chemo and radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant, and immunotherapy.

Mahmoud’s struggle started with symptoms like constipation, high fever, weakness, difficulty breathing, an unwillingness to move and continuous crying. His father, Bilal Shurab, a civil engineer and resident since 2007, recalled how his family’s world turned upside down when they learned Mahmoud was diagnosed with cancer. Neuroblastoma originates in immature nerve cells and can form from nerve tissue that becomes abnormal and grows uncontrollably. In Mahmoud’s case, it grew into a tumour near the back of his right lung, wrapping around his spinal cord.

“I was shocked. This was the last thing I expected. I couldn’t believe it, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell his mother,” Shurab told Gulf News.

The parents placed their trust in God, and advanced and comprehensive paediatric oncology services at the hospital.

Dr Zainul Aabideen, a consultant paediatrician and head of paediatric haematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation, led the treatment. The team utilised advanced technology and personalised approaches to maximise chances of recovery.

The treatment began in August 2023 with a molecular genetic test at OncoHelix Co-Lab, which provided detailed genetic information. Mahmoud underwent four rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour.

This was followed by a complex surgery, in which the tumour was successfully removed by Dr Rajasekhar Cingapagu, specialist paediatric surgery, despite its challenging location near his lung and spinal cord. Mahmoud’s last chemo was in November 2023.

In December, Mahmoud underwent an autologous bone marrow transplant, followed by 12 sessions of radiation therapy between February and March 2024. The final phase of his treatment involved immunotherapy, from June 2024 till January 2025. This cutting-edge therapy helps the immune system fight any remaining cancer cells.

Prof Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, noted that the advancements in immunotherapy have improved outcomes for children with complex cancers like neuroblastoma.

“By bringing together cutting-edge techniques and a multidisciplinary team under one roof, we aim to provide children like Mahmoud with the best possible chance for recovery,” said Prof Al Shamsi.

The multidisciplinary team in Mahmoud’s care included pathologists, paediatric surgeons, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine experts, intensive care specialists, oncology pharmacists, and a social worker, among others.

“For nearly a year-and-a-half, Mahmoud was under the care of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team who worked together tirelessly,” Dr Aabideen said, and added that the availability of services such as autologous bone marrow transplants and immunotherapy in the UAE has eliminated the need for international referrals.

“Advanced treatments like immunotherapy have improved outcomes by 10 to 15 per cent,” Dr Aabideen said.

Despite the intense treatment regimen, Mahmoud showed remarkable strength. His father pointed out how little Mahmoud, understood the importance of his treatments and endured each procedure with bravery.

“Every week, we went to the hospital. He was mindful of the medical device implanted in his body, knowing it was critical for his recovery,” the doting father said.

The family praised the collaborative care and advancements, which have given their fourth child a new chance at life. Now, Mahmoud will undergo periodic reviews every six months for the next five years to ensure his continued health and well-being.