History and current state of pediatric oncology and hematology in the United Arab Emirates.

There are three oncology centers in the United Arab Emirates, but only one with a dedicated pediatric unit (Tawam Hospital). The unit is 12 years old and is staffed by two pediatric oncologists working with pediatric but not oncology nurses. It handles approximately two thirds of the pediatric cancer cases in the country. Approximately 60% of all cases are either acute leukemia or lymphoma. A large variety of treatment regimens were used in the past for the same diseases, making audit of the unit's work very difficult. In the last 7 years a policy has evolved whereby uniform management protocols are used. A database is in existence, although not yet complete, and diagnostic facilities are continuing to improve. Imaging facilities are modern, and cell surface phenotyping for leukemia is available. There are plans to establish a bone marrow transplant unit.