Advancing Specialized Care: The Role of KFSHRC’s Five Centres of Excellence

By Your Health Magazine

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has established itself as a regional leader in specialized healthcare by leveraging advanced technologies and research-driven treatments. Through its five Centers of Excellence, KFSHRC is advancing care delivery in oncology, genomics, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and cardiovascular care. This focused approach has advanced patient outcomes and set new standards for healthcare in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

KFSHRC’s Oncology Centre is at the forefront of cancer treatment, providing some of the most advanced therapies in the region. In the last year, the center treated 25% of all cancer cases in Saudi Arabia, focusing on innovative treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, which re-engineers a patient’s immune cells to combat cancer. With a 90% recovery rate in leukemia patients, CAR T-cell therapy has proven to be a breakthrough in cancer care.

The Oncology Centre also utilizes techniques like Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and liquid biopsy, offering more targeted and less invasive treatment options. These advancements contribute to improved survival rates and better overall patient experience, highlighting KFSHRC’s role as a regional leader in oncology.

At the Genomic Centre, KFSHRC is harnessing the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to deliver personalized treatments. By analyzing a patient’s genetic makeup, the center can develop more accurate and effective treatment plans. In 2023 alone, over 5,600 whole-genome sequences were completed, allowing clinicians to better understand diseases at the molecular level and tailor care accordingly.

The Genomic Centre is also contributing to global advancements in healthcare. Its discovery of Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis, a bacterial strain that provides new insights into antibiotic resistance, showcases the impact of KFSHRC’s research on global health challenges.

KFSHRC’s Organ Transplant Centre is a global leader in robotic-assisted surgeries. This year, the center achieved a significant milestone with the world’s first fully robotic heart and liver transplants, reducing recovery times and improving patient surgical outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery is now a critical part of transplantation, offering patients less invasive treatment options with fewer complications.

The hospital’s Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program has also made significant progress, with over 400 successful heart surgeries. These minimally invasive procedures have drastically reduced recovery times and lowered the risk of complications, improving patient cardiac care outcomes.

KFSHRC’s Neurosciences Centre treats complex neurological conditions using advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment protocols. The center continually pushes the boundaries in the neurosciences field, offering faster, more effective treatments for conditions that are otherwise difficult to manage. The center helps patients recover quickly and with fewer complications by integrating cutting-edge technologies.

In 2023, KFSHRC implanted brain electrodes in an 11-year-old boy to treat epilepsy—without the need for major surgery. This groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure was the first in the Middle East, marking a new chapter in treating neurological disorders.

In cardiovascular care, KFSHRC’s Heart Centre uses the latest technology, including robotic-assisted heart surgeries, to improve patient outcomes. By offering less invasive options, the center has significantly improved survival rates and reduced recovery times for patients undergoing cardiac procedures. This focus on innovation and precision is helping to shape the future of cardiovascular care.

The Importance of a Centers of Excellence Approach

KFSHRC’s decision to organize its healthcare delivery around Centers of Excellence allows for concentrated expertise and resources in specific medical fields. By doing so, each center can focus intensely on its area of specialization, allowing more precise, targeted treatments.