Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital conducts Saudi private sector’s first stem cell transplant

SAUDI ARABIA—Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah has performed Saudi Arabia’s first autologous stem cell transplant in the private healthcare sector, marking a major step forward in the treatment of blood cancers.

The procedure was successfully carried out on a 55-year-old patient with multiple myeloma and signals the launch of the hospital’s new Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program.

Expanding access to advanced cancer care

The successful transplant strengthens the hospital’s hematology and oncology services while expanding access to highly specialized treatments within the Kingdom.

It also allows eligible patients to receive complex stem cell therapy closer to home instead of seeking treatment abroad.

Dr. Mazen Fakeeh, President of Fakeeh Care Group, said the milestone reflects the group’s long-term strategy to expand advanced medical services across Saudi Arabia.

He noted that the achievement demonstrates the organization’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare while supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to improve the quality of specialized medical services.

Autologous stem cell transplantation remains one of the standard treatment options for medically eligible patients with multiple myeloma.

During the procedure, doctors collect a patient’s healthy stem cells after initial treatment.

Patients then receive high-dose chemotherapy to destroy as many cancer cells as possible before the preserved stem cells are returned to the body.

This process restores bone marrow function, speeds blood cell recovery, and can extend disease control while improving quality of life.

Specialized team and multidisciplinary approach

Dr. Ahmed Alsaeed, Consultant in Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the hospital, said the successful transplant demonstrates the institution’s clinical expertise, advanced infrastructure, and ability to deliver complex therapies according to international standards.

He added that patients can now access this specialized treatment without leaving Saudi Arabia.

The Oncology Center at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital provides comprehensive cancer care, from early diagnosis and surgery to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and long-term follow-up.

Specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, nursing, nutrition, and psychological support collaborate through multidisciplinary Tumor Board meetings to develop personalized treatment plans for every patient.

The center also offers minimally invasive and robotic-assisted cancer surgery, early screening programs, rehabilitation services, and supportive care for patients and their families.

Building on recent achievements

The latest milestone comes shortly after another international recognition for the hospital.

Last week, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital became the first private hospital in Saudi Arabia to be listed among Newsweek’s World’s Top 250 Hospitals 2026.

The hospital also retained its position as the Kingdom’s highest-ranked private hospital for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting continued investment in clinical quality, patient safety, and advanced medical technologies.