UAE Launches First TILs Cancer Therapy Program, Marking Breakthrough in Personalized Immunotherapy

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against cancer with the launch of its first Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) cancer therapy program. For the first time, UAE scientists have successfully isolated and expanded immune cells from breast and lung tumors, setting the foundation for personalized, cell-based immunotherapy in the region. Conducted under a Department of Health–Abu Dhabi (DoH)–approved observational study, this marks a historic step toward developing targeted treatments for patients with advanced or treatment-resistant cancers.

TIL therapy works by extracting immune cells directly from a patient’s tumor, multiplying them in advanced laboratories, and then reinjecting them to attack cancer with exceptional precision. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, this method supercharges the body’s natural defense system to target tumors alone. It represents a living, personalized form of medicine — one built entirely from the patient’s own biology.

The program, supported by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and SEHA, aligns with the UAE’s vision to build a self-reliant, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem. Conducted in GMP-certified laboratories meeting global standards, the initiative eliminates the need for patients to seek advanced immunotherapies abroad. Beyond its immediate medical impact, it strengthens the UAE’s standing among global leaders in cancer research and precision medicine.

Launched ahead of UAE National Day, this scientific breakthrough symbolizes the country’s broader commitment to innovation, progress, and human wellbeing. As further clinical studies and cell-engineering programs advance, the UAE’s TIL therapy program is set to redefine the regional landscape of personalized cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients and setting an inspiring global benchmark in healthcare leadership.