Doha, Qatar – 30 September 2026: Sidra Medicine has introduced two specialized therapies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma, expanding advanced pediatric cancer treatment options in Qatar and the wider Gulf region.
The hospital’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant teams administered naxitamab (Danyelza®) for the first time in the GCC and dinutuximab beta (Qarziba®) for the first time in Qatar. Both therapies are anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma.
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Dr. Chiara Cugno, Acting Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Sidra Medicine said: “The introduction of these complex therapies involved extensive preparation and collaboration across Sidra Medicine’s medical, surgical, nursing, pharmacy, education and wider multidisciplinary teams. This is also a testament to our commitment to continually advance pediatric cancer treatment and care as well as expanding access to specialized therapies for children and families in Qatar.”
The therapies were administered to two children following stem cell transplantation. One patient, Issa, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at birth, became the first patient in Qatar and the GCC to receive naxitamab as part of his treatment.
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The introduction of these therapies involved collaboration among medical, surgical, nursing, pharmacy and multidisciplinary teams. The milestone highlights efforts to expand access to specialized pediatric cancer treatments and strengthen advanced oncology care for children and families in Qatar.
