HMC partners with Penn Medicine for Middle East Proton Therapy Summit

Hamad Medical Corporation has collaborated with the Penn Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology at University of Pennsylvania Health System for the Middle East Proton Therapy Summit, a pivotal event that took place recently for the first time in Qatar and the Middle East.
This summit brought together global experts in proton therapy from United States and Qatar, with a primary focus on emphasising the importance of proton therapy in cancer treatment and exploring the future directions of cancer care in the Middle East.
Penn Medicine, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, is a renowned institution celebrated for its excellence in patient care, medical education, and research. Home to the esteemed Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Medicine has a rich history dating back to 1765. With top-tier hospitals, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, it is a leader in advancing medical knowledge and providing high-quality healthcare services.
The summit and its focus on Proton Therapy are part of HMC and the healthcare sector’s efforts to provide world-class healthcare services to Qatar’s population, with the latest, most advanced treatment techniques.
The one-day summit featured scientific sessions, panel discussions, patient stories and discussions on the clinical rationale, physics and administrative aspects of proton therapy.
At the helm of this conference is Dr Noora al-Hammadi, serving as the chair of the Scientific Planning Committee. Her leadership in the scientific planning committee and her expertise in radiation oncology have played a pivotal role in shaping the summit's agenda, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of proton therapy's clinical, physics and administrative aspects.
Dr Mohamed Salem al-Hassan, chairman of the organising committee, CEO and medical director of NCCCR and chairman of Corporate Cancer Services, stated: "This collaborative effort represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to advancing cancer care. The exploration of proton therapy, with its precision and sparing of healthy tissues, not only reflects our dedication to cutting-edge treatments but also underscores the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of healthcare outcomes for our community."
Proton therapy is a highly precise cancer treatment that has the ability to precisely target tumours while sparing normal tissue and vital organs. Distinguished from conventional (photon) radiation, proton therapy offers superior precision, minimising the impact on surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs. This unique precision contributes to the reduction of both immediate and delayed side effects, including the potential risk of radiation-induced secondary cancers.
The therapeutic advantages of proton therapy are particularly noteworthy when addressing cancer in paediatric and young adult patients, emphasising its potential impact on improving outcomes and minimising long-term risks in this specific population.
The Proton Therapy Summit is a big step forward for cancer care in Qatar, being the first event of its kind in the region. It highlights the importance of improving and getting better cancer care in the country.