Abu Dhabi Becomes First to Administer Innovative Breast Cancer Therapy
June 17, 2026
Abu Dhabi has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first place in the world to treat a patient with Camizestrant, a cutting-edge therapy designed for advanced breast cancer. This new treatment aims to provide timely and targeted care for individuals whose cancer has resisted standard hormone therapies.
Under the guidance of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Burjeel Cancer Institute successfully administered this advanced therapy to a woman in her forties diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Tests revealed she had an ESR1 gene mutation, causing her cancer to be resistant to traditional treatment methods and allowing the disease to progress.
The mutation was identified through circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) monitoring, a blood test that can detect molecular changes related to treatment resistance long before any signs show up on scans or through symptoms.
Camizestrant allows for a more focused treatment for patients with ESR1 gene mutations. By offering a more personalized approach early on, it can help manage cancer effectively, delay further progression, and maintain a better quality of life for patients.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, commented on this groundbreaking achievement, stating, “The future of healthcare is about identifying problems early and taking action before a patient’s condition worsens. This first administration of Camizestrant in a clinical setting shows Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building an advanced healthcare system based on prevention and early intervention. By providing timely access to innovative therapies, we aim to improve patient outcomes and strengthen our position as a top global healthcare destination.”
Prof. Humaid Bin Harmal Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, expressed pride in their achievement, stating, “We are delighted that our institute is the first in the world to use this innovative treatment. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to incorporating advanced diagnostics and technologies into our patient care approach, allowing for tailored treatment decisions based on individual needs.”
He continued, “This isn’t just about introducing a new medication; it’s about creating a comprehensive model of precision oncology that includes ongoing molecular monitoring. With ctDNA testing, we can identify resistance to hormone therapy early and intervene before any visible signs of disease emerge, giving patients a better chance to manage their cancer while preserving their quality of life.”
The treatment is supported by data from the global SERENA-6 clinical trial, which found that switching patients with an ESR1 mutation, identified through ctDNA monitoring, to Camizestrant lowered the risk of disease progression or death by 56% compared to continuing traditional therapy.
SERENA-6 is the first global trial to use regular ctDNA monitoring to inform treatment changes before conventional signs of disease progression occur, marking a significant advance in managing advanced breast cancer.
Burjeel Cancer Institute continues to establish itself as a leader in oncology and precision medicine by offering advanced diagnostics, expert tumor boards, and access to innovative therapies and clinical trials. This recent global milestone underscores the institute’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art cancer treatments while solidifying Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a key destination for specialized care.
