Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Oman

Hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) is an integral part of the management of patients with hematologic disorders. The Sultanate of Oman,with a population of 2.3 million,has an HSCT program based in the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) hospital. Initiated in 1995,this two-bed unit continues to be the only program in the country. Between June 1995 and August 2006,a total of 128 patients underwent HSCT in this center,averaging about 10–12 transplants per year. The median age of these patients was 11 years (2 months to 45 years). Hematologic malignancies (49%) and inherited disorders (42%) constituted the major transplant indications,whereas BM failure accounted for the remaining. The majority of transplants carried out so far have been HLA-matched sibling-donor allogeneic HSCTs. Among the inherited disorders,homozygous beta-thalassemia and primary immunodeficiency are important transplant indications in this center. The approximate cost of an uncomplicated transplant in this center is US$50 000. The success of this program has now led to the initiation of a new and larger HSCT complex to provide the opportunity for more patients to benefit from this treatment modality within the country. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2008) 42, S109–S113;