M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi partners with Gunma University for cancer innovation

UAE—M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have entered into a significant Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan’s Gunma University, aiming to accelerate research and innovation in heavy ion therapy—a cutting-edge and highly precise form of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.

This partnership was formalized during a recent delegation visit by M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to Japan, where the three institutions agreed to collaborate closely.

Their goal is to exchange knowledge, share expertise, and conduct joint research, ultimately deepening scientific understanding and expanding the clinical applications of heavy-ion therapy for cancer patients.

This new collaboration builds upon M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s existing partnership with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS), which is focused on establishing the region’s first heavy ion therapy facility in Abu Dhabi.

The introduction of this advanced technology is set to transform cancer care in the Middle East, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for oncology and precision medicine.

Notably, there is currently no heavy ion therapy center within a five-hour flight of the UAE.

The upcoming facility, located on the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi campus adjacent to the Fatima bint Mubarak Centre—the region’s first comprehensive cancer centre—will significantly enhance access to this state-of-the-art treatment for patients across the Middle East.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the institution’s vision is to provide the most advanced, evidence-based treatments to its patients.

 He highlighted that the partnership with Gunma University is a testament to this commitment.

By combining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s clinical expertise with Gunma University’s decades of leadership in heavy ion therapy, the collaboration aims to advance scientific knowledge and lay the foundation for a new era in cancer care throughout the region.

President Ishizaki Yasuki of Gunma University also commented on the partnership, noting that Gunma University has long been dedicated to advancing heavy ion therapy through rigorous research and clinical innovation.

 He expressed that working with M42 will help expand the reach of this transformative therapy, foster international collaboration, and ensure that more patients worldwide benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment.

Gunma University has been a pioneer in radiation oncology and nuclear medicine in Japan for decades.

Its Heavy Ion Medical Centre (GHMC), established in 2005, has played a crucial role in refining heavy ion radiotherapy by integrating advances in radiation biology, clinical studies, and innovative treatment technologies.

 The university’s ongoing research continues to enhance the effectiveness and precision of heavy ion therapy, making it a leader in the field.

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