Sidra Medicine becomes first in GCC to administer new neuroblastoma therapy for children

A child diagnosed with neuroblastoma at birth has become the first patient in the entire GCC to receive naxitamab, a specialized immunotherapy previously unavailable in the region. That milestone, achieved at Sidra Medicine in Doha, signals a meaningful shift in what pediatric oncology care looks like across the Gulf.

Sidra Medicine's Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant teams announced the development at the close of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, confirming the successful administration of two anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody therapies: naxitamab (Danyelza) for the first time in the GCC, and dinutuximab beta (Qarziba) for the first time in Qatar. Both were given to young patients following stem cell transplantation.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that originates in the nerve tissue of the sympathetic nervous system. It affects infants and very young children, and almost always appears before the age of five. High-risk cases are among the hardest to treat, with relapse rates that remain a serious concern even after intensive therapy.

The young patient at the center of Sidra's first naxitamab case, Issa, was diagnosed at birth. His treatment at Sidra combined chemotherapy, autologous transplantation, and the new therapy. His father described the experience in terms that will be familiar to any family navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis. "This journey can be long and very difficult," he said. "For us, optimism was an important part of going through it. A smile and emotional support for your child are essential for every stage of their treatment."

How does it work?

Both naxitamab and dinutuximab beta target GD2, a molecule found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells. By binding to GD2, these monoclonal antibodies flag cancer cells for destruction by the patient's immune system. They are typically used after stem cell transplantation, as part of a consolidation strategy aimed at eliminating any remaining disease and reducing the risk of relapse. The therapies require close coordination across medical, nursing, pharmacy, and surgical teams, and their introduction at Sidra involved extensive preparation before the first patient was treated.

Why does it matter?

Until now, families in Qatar and across the GCC facing a high-risk neuroblastoma diagnosis had limited access to these therapies locally. Traveling abroad for treatment is an option for some, but it places significant financial and emotional strain on families at an already difficult time. Bringing these treatments to Doha means that children can receive internationally recognized care close to home.

• Naxitamab is now available in the GCC for the first time, administered at Sidra Medicine
• Dinutuximab beta has been introduced in Qatar for the first time
• Both therapies were given post-stem cell transplant, consistent with international treatment protocols
• The program required cross-functional collaboration across oncology, pharmacy, nursing, and surgical teams

The context

Qatar's National Vision 2030 places human development at its center, and healthcare is a core pillar of that agenda. Sidra Medicine, opened as a world-class women's and children's hospital, is a direct expression of that commitment. Across the Gulf, health ministries and sovereign health authorities are investing heavily in reducing medical tourism by building domestic capacity for complex, specialized care. Sidra's ability to administer therapies that were previously unavailable anywhere in the GCC reflects exactly that direction of travel. Dr. Chiara Cugno, Acting Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Sidra Medicine, said the introduction of these therapies reflects the hospital's commitment to "continually advance pediatric cancer treatment and care as well as expanding access to specialized therapies for children and families in Qatar." For the broader GCC health sector, the question now is whether other centers can follow a similar path, building the clinical infrastructure and expertise to bring more of these treatments within reach.