ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has successfully executed four pioneering testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) procedures on boys aged 2, 7, 4, and 10, ahead of their bone marrow transplants. The boys, who are being treated for various conditions including immunodeficiency diseases, leukemia, and thalassemia, underwent this procedure as part of ADSCC’s efforts to safeguard their future fertility. This innovative medical advancement marks a first in the UAE and highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leading-edge healthcare solutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the cryopreservation procedures were completed in 2024 at ADSCC. The initiative reflects the center’s dedication to comprehensive care, especially as the young patients were required to undergo high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation before their transplants. The families were thoroughly briefed on the potential fertility risks associated with these treatments, and ADSCC physicians explained how TTC could potentially restore fertility in the future.
Performed with parental consent, the surgeries involved a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pediatric surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, and bone marrow transplant physicians. The extracted testicular tissues were processed and preserved at a fertility center in Abu Dhabi, ensuring their viability for potential future use.
Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at ADSCC, noted the center’s commitment to pioneering medical practices through its Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme. She emphasized the significance of offering fertility preservation options to pediatric patients, a practice that positions ADSCC as a leader in this domain within the UAE and the region.
Dr. Mansi Sachdev, Clinical Lead at ADSCC, highlighted the integration of TTC into treatment plans as a key milestone for the center. The procedure was seamlessly incorporated into the broader treatment regimen, which includes essential high-intensity chemotherapy and radiation therapy for preparing patients for bone marrow transplants.
Dr. Sleiman Gebran, Pediatric Surgery Consultant at ADSCC, described the meticulous nature of the procedure, which aims to preserve spermatogonial stem cells for future use. This approach provides families with reassurance regarding their children’s long-term quality of life amidst challenging medical circumstances.
In 2023, ADSCC received the designation as a Centre of Excellence for Bone Marrow Transplantation by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and became the first UAE center to receive accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) in 2024. These accolades affirm the center’s commitment to maintaining high standards in cellular therapy and transplantation services.
The TTC technique involves preserving testicular tissue at ultra-low temperatures, potentially for decades, offering a revolutionary solution for fertility preservation in young patients undergoing treatments that endanger reproductive potential. This achievement underscores ADSCC’s leadership in healthcare innovation, particularly in cellular therapy research and its applications across oncology, hematology, and reproductive health, setting new benchmarks in the region.