Tumour tissue genetic analysis helps quick cancer treatment

Muscat: For the first time in the Sultanate of Oman, the research laboratory of Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care & Research Centre has started conducting comprehensive genetic analysis of tumour tissue, which identifies the patient's genetic mutations that cause the growth of cancerous cells, and determines the most appropriate treatment for the case in a record time.

To achieve integration in treatment and provide optimal care for patients, the centre has a ‘multidisciplinary team’ model to provide healthcare, as the team studies the case from all aspects. It also does an analysis, according to case’s specialisation.

Meanwhile, the Centre has treated more than 4,000 patients that contributed to shortening the duration of treatment and lowering the treatment cost.

Since placing the foundation stone in 2017 to the start of the experimental operation in 2021, the readiness of Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care & Research Centre included various medical, research and administrative fields.

The Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care & Research Centre received 4,000 patients for treatment during the first year of its operation. The number of visits to outpatient clinics reached 23,956, during which patients received advice and integrated medical care at the hands of national medical competencies and global expertise specialised in cancer treatment.

The operation of the departments and units of Centre came gradually, with the aim of ensuring the safety of patients, activating the coordination of medical, laboratory, pharmacy and radiological electronic systems, in addition to merging them with the centre’s administrative system.

From mid-July 2021 to the end of June 2022, the centre's efforts included 3,619 radiotherapy sessions, 4,757 chemotherapy doses were given, and 262 surgeries were performed. There are 300 beds and treatment chairs available to provide treatment that contributes to the comfort of patients. The centre provides a supportive environment equipped with the latest capabilities to conduct qualitative medical research that supports the health services provided to cancer patients in the Sultanate of Oman and the methods of treatment, diagnosis and prevention.