The radiation oncology team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of healthcare. The team has successfully harnessed the cutting-edge 4D Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (4D PET/CT) simulation technology for the treatment planning of a lung cancer patient. This advanced procedure marks a historic first for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing a remarkable stride toward enhancing healthcare quality and tailoring precise treatments for patients.
Dr. Amin bin Saleh Al-Omair, Head of the General Radiation Oncology Unit at KFSH&RC, further elaborated on the transformative impact of this technology. He emphasized how it significantly enhances precision in identifying the tumor’s exact location, particularly in chest and lung cancer treatments. The 4D PET/CT technology adeptly accommodates the tumor’s dynamic movements throughout the respiratory cycle, enabling more precise targeting while safeguarding surrounding healthy tissues.
Moreover, the 4D PET/CT technology involves the injection of a short-lived radioactive substance into the patient’s vein, which accumulates in areas of the body with heightened metabolic or biochemical activity. Consequently, cancer cells appear as bright spots in positron emission tomography scans, as their metabolic rate surpasses that of normal cells. This technological feat aligns with KFSH&RC’s strategic commitment to harnessing innovative technologies to improve results, enhance patient experience, and optimize operational efficiency. It reinforces the hospital’s position as the preferred choice for specialized healthcare.
Ranked among the world’s premier healthcare institutions, KFSH&RC secured 20th position in the 2023 world rankings, emerging as the Middle East and Africa’s definitive leader in specialized healthcare, according to Brand Finance.
About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre:
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is a leading tertiary & quaternary healthcare provider in the Middle East. KFSH&RC’s mission is to provide the highest level of specialized healthcare in an integrated educational and research setting.
KFSH&RC has a rich history of providing high-quality clinical services, including leading-edge treatments in oncology, transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, neurosciences, and genetics.
This year, Brand Finance recognized KFSH&RC as the number one Academic Medical Centre in the MENA region and the top 20 internationally. Meanwhile, in 2022, KFSH&RC was ranked among the leading healthcare providers across the globe by Newsweek.
Guided by the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, KFSH&RC is undertaking a Transformation towards a financially sustainable, independent, not-for-profit hospital. KFSH&RC has been internationally recognized for its continuous achievements in patient experiences and outcomes by accreditations from the HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence, CHiME Most Wired, JCI, CAP, ISO 22301 & 27001, to list a few.
