KFSHRC at the forefront of precision medicine and genomic therapies in Saudi Arabia and the region
September 17 2024 - 8:48AM
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is
integrating genomic profiling and pharmacogenomics into clinical
practice. These enhancements transform patient care by offering
more targeted, effective treatments for complex diseases, including
cancer and rare genetic disorders.
Dr. Salah Baz, Head of Genomic Medicine at KFSHRC, stated: “We
are witnessing a new era of personalized healthcare, where
integrating genomic technologies into clinical practice allows us
to tailor treatments to each individual, providing more accurate
and effective care.” Addressing the C3 Summit, Davos of Healthcare
in New York in a session on Precision Medicine, Dr. Baz showcased
KFSHRC’s contributions to these cutting-edge medical practices.
The global market for precision diagnostics is projected to
reach USD 163.88 billion by 2028, and much of that growth will be
driven by advancements in oncology. In line with these trends,
KFSHRC’s precision cancer therapies, including in-house production
of clinical-grade CAR-T cells, have drastically reduced treatment
delays, giving patients with aggressive cancers quicker access to
life-saving therapies.
KFSHRC’s use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has been
instrumental in diagnosing and treating rare genetic disorders,
performing over 7,000 tests in 2023 and providing accurate
diagnoses in over 50% of cases. This offered life-changing
therapies to patients who had previously struggled with undiagnosed
conditions. Additionally, KFSHRC achieved a 67% reduction in (WGS)
costs, making this essential testing more accessible and
affordable.
KFSHRC’s Clinical Pharmacogenomics Service tailors drug
treatments to patients’ unique genetic profiles, reducing adverse
reactions and optimizing effectiveness. Initially focused on six
commonly prescribed medications, this service is expected to
expand, further enhancing patient safety and treatment outcomes.
KFSHRC is also addressing the challenge of genetic diversity in
pharmacogenomics and is actively working to create a more inclusive
genomic database to improve patient care in Saudi Arabia.
It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle
East and Africa and 20th globally in the list of the world’s top
250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and
has been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the
Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance
rankings. Additionally, in the same year, Newsweek magazine ranked
it among the world's best 250 hospitals.
Media Contact:Essam AlZahrani+966 55 525
4429mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a1296fe-2519-45ff-b5bd-db6c39ffb65c