Doctors in the UAE have recently accomplished the first successful freezing of ovarian tissue of a minor girl diagnosed with cancer to preserve her fertility. The seven-year-old patient had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, underwent intense chemotherapy, treatments, and a bone marrow transplant. A team of doctors at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center proactively carried out the ovarian tissue cryopreservation to mitigate potential fertility risks from the treatment.
The decision to freeze the ovarian tissue was made to safeguard the girl’s fertility from the high doses of chemotherapy and radiation required for her treatment. The operation involved removing and processing the minor girl’s ovary into thin slices before cryopreserving them at -196 degrees Celsius. This process allows for the tissue to be stored for up to 20 years and potentially re-implanted in the future to enhance the patient’s fertility.
The successful accomplishment of freezing the ovarian tissue represents a significant advancement in the treatment of pediatric tumors and fertility preservation. Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Health Workforce Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, highlighted that this achievement is a result of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious healthcare strategies and advanced infrastructure. Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at ADSCC, also emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive care for bone marrow transplant patients within the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program.
The freezing of ovarian tissue is a modern technology used worldwide to preserve fertility in cases where a patient’s ovaries are affected by chemotherapy or radiation. This operation enables patients, especially young ones like the seven-year-old girl in this case, to have a chance at maintaining their reproductive abilities after undergoing cancer treatment. The careful process of preparing and storing the ovarian tissue ensures its viability for potential future use.
This achievement showcases the capabilities of the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi in providing advanced and specialized treatments to ensure the well-being of patients, especially in challenging cases like pediatric cancer. The collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center and ART Fertility Clinics demonstrates the dedication and expertise of healthcare professionals in the region in managing complex medical procedures to benefit patients’ long-term health.
Overall, the successful freezing of the minor girl’s ovarian tissue represents a significant milestone in pediatric cancer treatment and fertility preservation. The advanced technology and expertise involved in this process highlight the commitment of healthcare professionals in the UAE to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care to address complex medical conditions and improve patient outcomes. The successful outcome of this case sets a precedent for future advancements in the field of cancer treatment and fertility preservation.
