Gulf International Cancer Centre (GICC), Abu Dhabi has introduced UAE’s first digital Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET/CT) system, developed by GE Healthcare. The PET/CT system was developed to help clinicians continue efforts to diagnose and stage disease earlier and better guide treatment strategies.

This particular model is the industry’s only PET/CT system that brings together the sensitivity of digital detection, with the most innovative reconstruction technology available. The result is outstanding resolution to improve the detection of even small lesions.

The installation of the digital PET/CT at GICC, which was completed in June 2020, will help scale up the UAE’s fight against cancer. The UAE’s National Cancer Registry reports that cancers are the third leading cause of death in the country. According to the World Health Organisation, non-communicable diseases account for 77 percent of all deaths in the country, with cancers accounting for 12 percent.

Dr Aly Abdel Razak, Executive Director of Gulf International Cancer Center, said: “From cancer diagnosis to treatment, we bring the highest standards of care to patients in the UAE and beyond. In 2009, we were the first to introduce a PET/CT scanner in the UAE and were among the first in the region to install a cyclotron that gave us the ability to produce FDGs on site. The introduction of the nation’s first digital PET/CT gives us yet another edge in our fight against cancer, significantly enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of our physicians. Timely, accurate diagnosis ultimately means better patient care.”

Tamer Akl, General Manager of Abu Dhabi International Medical Services (ADI), GE Healthcare’s distributor in the UAE, added: “With this path-breaking technology that redefines cancer diagnosis, GICC now offers the most comprehensive solution for cancer diagnosis and treatment, right here in the Emirates. Not only does digital technology improve the detectability of small lesions, it also facilitates improved patient experience by significantly reducing the time it takes to complete a scan. In installing the country’s first digital PET/CT, GICC cements its pioneer status.”

The Gulf International Cancer Center (GICC) is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), meeting the international healthcare quality standards for patient care and organizational management.

“The citizens of the United Arab Emirates should be proud that the Gulf International Cancer Center is focusing on this most challenging goal – to continuously raise quality to higher levels.” Ann K. Jacobson, MSN, RN, NEA, Executive Director of JCI.

The Gulf International Cancer Center (GICC) signs and an official training task order from the George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) to provide a comprehensive PET/CT program official put into effect March 19th, 2009.

The Gulf International Cancer Center (GICC) signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) for the purpose of promoting collaboration for the advancement of higher education, research and development. The goal is to assist GICC in meeting its goal to become the Gulf’s Health Frontier for cancer treatment in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries.

The Gulf International Cancer Center, (GICC) and The George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) executes a Letter of Intent to promote the advancements of education, research and development of GICC healthcare personnel and to have representatives of GWUMC serve on an advisory board of GICC pertaining to education, research, training and other related functions via video/teleconferencing in combination with site visits.

The George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) honored H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan today in recognition of his vision and leadership in establishing the Gulf International Cancer Center. A certificate of appreciation was presented to H.E. on behalf of John F. Williams, MD, EdD, MPH Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs at GWUMC.

"We applaud His Excellency for tackling the issue of improving access to medical care through the establishment of the Gulf International Cancer Center," said Dr. Williams. "Cancer is the third leading cause of deaths in the UAE. With predications that the number of cancer cases in the UAE will increase five-fold in the next 20years, the establishment of the Cancer Center comes at a critical time for the region".