Sidra Medicine introduces two new specialised therapies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma

Doha, Qatar - In September, to conclude Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Sidra Medicine celebrated two major achievements in pediatric cancer care: the introduction of two specialized therapies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. These therapies, naxitamab (Danyelza) and dinutuximab beta (Qarziba), are anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody treatments used to combat neuroblastoma, a cancer affecting nerve tissue in babies and young children, often before they reach five years old.

Dr. Chiara Cugno, the Acting Division Chief of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Sidra Medicine, stated that the implementation of these complex therapies entailed significant preparation and collaboration among various medical, surgical, nursing, pharmacy, educational, and multidisciplinary teams. This development underscores Sidra Medicine's dedication to enhancing pediatric cancer treatment and care, while also broadening access to specialized therapies for children and their families in Qatar.

The first patient to receive naxitamab in Qatar and the GCC was Issa, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at birth. Issa was treated at Sidra Medicine with a combination of chemotherapy and autologous transplantation, followed by the administration of the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody. Issa's father expressed his gratitude, stating that the exceptional team at Sidra Medicine, renowned for its high international standards of care, played a crucial role in supporting and celebrating each milestone of his son's journey.