New York, September 2011- HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) participated in the Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) held in
During the Annual Meeting, Princess Ghida presented a commitment, on behalf of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, to establish ‘Personalized Medicine’ at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) as part of its efforts to provide the latest technology in combating the rising rates of cancer in the Middle East region. While traditional treatment is based on large studies and entails a reactive approach that is introduced after the signs and symptoms of disease appear, ‘Personalized Medicine’ uses an individual’s genetic and molecular makeup to tailor treatment to match that person’s specific body type and cancer type. Personalized Medicine thereby avoids the one-size-fits-all approach and eliminates the trial and error in treatment, ensuring that a patient receives the most effective treatment for his or her disease from the outset.
Princess Ghida encouraged participants to financially support this Commitment, emphasizing that with ‘Personalized Medicine’ KHCC will be able to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment from the beginning, avoiding unnecessary surgeries, medications and side effects. She further explained that this commitment would be realized at KHCC over two phases: First, with the establishment of a Genetic and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory which will help doctors to properly analyze patient’s tissue enabling them to establish an appropriate treatment plan. Second, with a Tissue Bank and Bio Repository where remaining tissues and bio samples will be stored, along with patient specifications, all logged into a corresponding database which will expand KHCC’s research capabilities and allow researchers to perform in-depth analysis of tissue samples and track long-term cancer trends in the region.
The Clinton Global Initiative, established and led by former President of the United States Bill Clinton, was formed to channel the capabilities of individuals and organizations to make real changes in various global challenges such as global health, economic empowerment, environment and energy and education. CGI facilitates cross-sector partnerships that create and carry out projects of their own choosing. Members, such as KHCF, make Commitments to Action which consist of concrete, measurable steps towards improving lives worldwide.
During the conference, Princess Ghida met with the leaders of several international organizations in the field of cancer control as well as international corporations to encourage them to support KHCF/KHCC and Princess Ghida’s commitment to ‘Personalized Medicine’, all of which will benefit cancer patients in Jordan and the region.