King Fahad National Centre for Children’s Cancer (KFNCCC) Sets the Standard for Pediatric Oncology Care in the Kingdom and the Middle East
The King Fahad National Centre for Children’s Cancer, an affiliate of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), has become a leader in pediatric oncology in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region. Founded in 1997, the centre has consistently set new standards in the fight against pediatric cancer by providing advanced clinical care combined with innovative research, all within a comprehensive therapeutic environment.
Providing Hope and Advanced Treatment Options
KFNCCC treats over 500 new pediatric cancer cases annually, and its Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) programme, one of the region’s most successful, carries out approximately 150 transplants each year. The centre has performed over 3,162 transplants over the past two decades, with 24% of those completed using alternative methods, including unrelated donors, haploidentical transplants from relatives, and umbilical cord blood. These alternative transplant methods provide crucial treatment options for children with conditions such as leukemia, bone marrow failure, and genetic disorders, especially when a matched family donor is unavailable. By localizing these advanced treatments in Saudi Arabia, KFNCCC has made them accessible to local children, significantly reducing the need for medical travel abroad.
Innovative Treatment Techniques
In its continued efforts to bring cutting-edge treatments to the Kingdom, KFNCCC has pioneered advanced T-cell engineering therapy for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Since its introduction four years ago, approximately 30 patients have benefitted from this breakthrough therapy. In addition, the centre has treated 31 cases of retinoblastoma through intra-arterial chemotherapy, in collaboration with King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, and four high-risk neuroblastoma cases with radiation therapy since 2020. These innovations reflect the centre’s commitment to providing the most advanced and comprehensive care for children with complex diseases.
Impressive Survival Rates and Success Stories
The outcomes of KFNCCC’s treatment protocols speak for themselves. The centre has achieved a 90% survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and a 95% survival rate for nephroblastoma patients. Overall, the survival rate for children with various tumours stands at 88%, offering hope and improving the prospects of recovery for children and their families.
A Comprehensive and Global Approach to Pediatric Cancer Care
KFNCCC integrates world-class clinical care with specialized research, creating an environment where the latest treatment methods are applied effectively. The centre is supported by an extensive network of international partnerships with leading organizations such as the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the Centre for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). These collaborations provide KFNCCC’s patients with access to the latest treatments and clinical trials, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in pediatric oncology.
Recognition and Accolades
KFSHRC, the parent institution of KFNCCC, has garnered significant recognition for its excellence in healthcare. It was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally in the 2024 list of the world’s top 250 academic medical centres. Furthermore, the hospital was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance in 2024 and was ranked among the world’s top 250 hospitals, as well as listed in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek.
Conclusion
KFNCCC continues to lead the way in pediatric cancer treatment, offering innovative therapies, world-class clinical care, and hope for families across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Through its ongoing dedication to improving outcomes for pediatric cancer patients, KFNCCC stands as a beacon of excellence and a model for cancer care in the region.