Selwa A. F. Al-Hazzaa, MD, FRCS (Ophthal) discussed innovations in healthcare research at a conference in Atlanta from December 5-7, 2011. Advances in healthcare have created challenges from an aging population and increased rates of diseases like diabetes and cancer. Innovations that promote early detection, personalized treatment, and a bench-to-bedside approach can help address these challenges. The speaker highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitments to research through initiatives like the King Abdullah Oncology and Liver Transplant Center and Saudi Diagnostics Limited.

1. ATLANTA, GA
DECEMBER 5-7, 2011
Innovations in Healthcare Research
Selwa A. F. Al-Hazzaa, MD, FRCS (Ophthal)
Professor, Head & Consultant of Ophthalmology
Senior Clinical Scientist & Consultant in Genetics
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre

2. Advances in healthcare have also created new
challenges
 Aging and lifestyle changes
 Increasing cost of healthcare punctuated by
alarming rise in the number of patients with:
• Diabetes
• Heart Diseases
• Cancer
• Hereditary Diseases

3. Innovations that Promote Sustainability &
Addresses the Challenges
 Early Detection (screening, prevention, or
delaying onset of disease)
 Better Treatment (personalized
medicine, customized treatment, smart

4. Bench-to-Bed Side Approach
 Radiopharmaceutical productions
 IMRT
 Cell biology
 Cell therapy and gene therapy
 Genomics and proteomics
 Health statistics and informatics
 Center for clinical research

5. Preventing Hereditary Disease in the Circle
of Life
Conception
Pre-marital
Screening & Pre-implantation
Counseling Genetic Diagnosis
Marriage Pregnancy
Genetic &
Biochemical Testing
Molecular Prenatal Testing
• Amniocentesis
Diagnostics • CVS
• Cell-free fetal
DNA
Growth & Birth
Development
Newborn Screening

6. Commitment to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Diagnostics Limited (SDL)
Commercial arm started in 2008 owned by
KFSH&RC & Sultan bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian
City
Provides tests for regional medical institutions
with highest international standards
Introduced molecular cytogenetic testing
(karyotyping) in the Middle East
Provides testing for all known hereditary diseases
Three new Saudi biotechnology companies under
development

7. The Future is Now
King Abdullah Oncology and Liver Transplant Center
This initiative will address the growing number of patients
suffering from cancer and liver diseases.
Proton Carbon Ion Therapy Facility
This initiative will bring the Kingdom to the level of the ten most-
advanced radiotherapy facilities in the world for treatment of cancer
patients.
Saudi Biotech Complex
This initiative supports the national comprehensive plan for science
and technology, providing specialized medical services in the area of
biotechnology and manifests the Research Centre’s commitment to
translational research.

8. The Future is Now
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Expanded KFSH&RC’s capability to treat patients with different
types of cancer and tumor sites. Also became reference site for
“Image-Guided Radiotherapy” (IGRT).
Radiopharmaceuticals
This initiative supports advanced accelerator
technology, radiochemistry, radio-pharmacy, and
radiopharmaceuticals research. It allows for expansion of services and
solidify the Kingdom’s role as the primary supplier for
radiopharmaceuticals in the region.
Advanced programs in Stem Cells, Gene Therapy, Genomics
These programs offer tremendous potential for the treatment of many
human diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and genetic diseases.