KFSHRC partners with University of Birmingham to revolutionize bladder cancer diagnostics

SAUDI ARABIA–King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has teamed up with the University of Birmingham’s Bladder Cancer Research Centre (BCRC) in a five-year partnership to transform the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer.

This alliance combines the expertise of KFSHRC’s Urology Department with BCRC’s research strength to push forward non-invasive diagnostic methods through advanced liquid biopsy technology.

 This joint effort will introduce a highly sophisticated molecular diagnostic approach to Saudi Arabia, relying on a 23-gene panel to detect critical genetic variations associated with bladder cancer.  

According to Professor Waleed Altaweel, Chairman of the Urology Department at KFSHRC and the project’s Principal Investigator, this partnership with BCRC will ease patient burdens by enabling more accessible and effective diagnostic methods and improving overall healthcare outcomes.  

He emphasized that the collaboration enhances diagnostic capabilities and helps bridge geographic and technological gaps in healthcare, allowing for improved cancer diagnostics in diverse patient populations. 

Moreover, the partnership is a bridge for knowledge exchange, fostering closer collaboration between Saudi and UK research communities.  

Researchers and clinicians from both nations will work together, sharing insights, methodologies, and advancements in genomic diagnostics.  

This collaboration provides a unique platform for these communities to build on each other’s expertise, paving the way for innovative solutions in cancer care.  

Professor Mohamed Alotaibi, a Co-Principal Investigator, noted that this cross-border effort aligns with global healthcare objectives by building capacity and enhancing knowledge to tackle complex health challenges more effectively. 

An essential component of this partnership is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), which allows for the secure and ethical sharing of anonymised patient samples between KFSHRC and BCRC. 

This agreement is critical for advancing genomic testing while upholding strict data privacy standards. It enables the project to proceed with the utmost regard for patient confidentiality. 

Dr. Raouf Seyam, who facilitates the project, expressed that the collaboration provides an invaluable opportunity to incorporate diverse genetic data into their research, thereby contributing to globally relevant advances in cancer care.  

He added that through this partnership, KFSHRC and BCRC are set to redefine bladder cancer care by establishing new, accessible standards for patient-centred and non-invasive diagnostic methods.

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