Treatment of a patient with retinal melanoma using SBRT at “Almana Oncology Center” in Dammam
In a remarkable medical precedent, a specialized medical team at the “Almana Oncology Center” in Dammam successfully treated a patient in her forties who suffered from a very rare condition of severely impaired vision. The treatment was performed using high-precision stereotactic radiotherapy “SBRT” to treat melanoma in the retina of her left eye. This is the first of its kind in the Eastern Province and the second time this advanced technology has been used in Saudi Arabia.
After a thorough medical examination, Dr. Shaker Al Shaker, a radiation oncology consultant at the “Almana Oncology Center”, recommended “SBRT” as an alternative to conventional surgery, thereby avoiding the need for eye removal. After presenting the case to the local medical council, it was agreed to proceed with “SBRT” due to its reliable results and high effectiveness. After that, immediate coordination was established between the specialized medical teams.
The treatment procedures were performed using the “SBRT” technology through precise preparatory stages, including local anesthesia of the eye, the use of specialized tools to stabilize the eye and prevent its movement during treatment, and isolating the eyelids from the radiation field. Additionally, the five sessions were performed under conscious anesthesia, in coordination with the anesthesia consultant, Dr. Ali Al-Malallah, and under the supervision of a team of specialized doctors, including the ophthalmic surgery consultant, Dr. Hashem Al-Qatifi.
Regarding this medical achievement, Dr. Shaker Al-Shaker noted that the case represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of “SBRT” as an advanced treatment option, as this technology enables the precise treatment of tumors without the need for surgical intervention.
For his part, Mana Almana, CEO of “Almana Group of Hospitals”, emphasized that the use of advanced technology in innovative diagnosis and treatment, such as “SBRT”, reflects Almana Hospital's commitment to providing the best advanced medical solutions. He expressed his pride in being the first to implement this technology in the Eastern Province.
The patient and her family expressed their gratitude to the medical team at “Almana Oncology Center”, emphasizing that the medical care they received was instrumental in her improvement.
“Almana Group of Hospitals” is a pioneer in healthcare in the Kingdom, the first private sector hospital in the Eastern Province, and one of the oldest and largest medical companies in the Gulf region, distinguished by its provision of innovative and advanced medical care.
