The first Qatar Stem Cell Transplantation Conference took place recently in Doha marking a significant step forward in the field of stem cell transplantation and its application to clinical medicine in the Middle East.
The two-day event was organized by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and brought together 13 regional and international experts to be speaking at the conference, including renowned scientists, clinicians, and researchers from around the world to share their knowledge and experiences in stem cell transplantation.
Over the course of the two-day conference, more than 300 registrants participated in a range of sessions, including plenary talks, panel discussions, and workshops.
The conference covered a broad range of topics, including the use of both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells in treatment of hematological malignancies, the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation, and ethical considerations surrounding stem cell research.
The conference was held and moderated by Dr. Javid Gaziev, Chairman of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) and BMT Program Director, and Dr. Anas Hamad, Co-Chairman Organizing and Scientific Committee and Director of Pharmacy Department.
One of the highlights of the conference was the keynote lecture delivered by Professor Leo Luznik from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at John Hopkins, USA who pioneered haploidentical stem cell transplantation with post-transplant Cyclophosphamide.
Another world-renowned transplant physician, Professor Andrea Bacigalupo from the Catholic University in Rome delivered a comprehensive educational lecture on haploidentical stem cell transplantation in hematological malignancies.
In addition, Dr. Mahmoud Aljurf, Director of Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia spoke about the special issues related to hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
