Present and future of hematology and stem cell transplantation in Morocco

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Morocco's first public hematology department established in 1980 in Casablanca, serving as the sole public facility for adult hematological diseases.
• Pediatric hematological disorders and cancer are treated in separate units, while private clinics in Casablanca and Rabat cater to some patients.
• Limited resources in public hospitals necessitate reliance on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international collaborations for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the establishment and initial outcomes of the first Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) program in Morocco.
• To assess the feasibility and success of autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation in a resource-limited setting.
• To highlight the challenges and future directions for hematological disease treatment in Morocco.

Main Methods:

• Initiation of a four-bed Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) ward in Casablanca in 2004.
• Administration of autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation to adult patients.
• Monitoring of patient outcomes, including continuous complete remission (CR).

Main Results:

• By May 2007, 27 patients received autologous PBSC transplantation.
• 15 out of 27 patients achieved continuous complete remission (CR), indicating program success.
• The program faced challenges, including the need for significant resources and international support.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of SCT in Morocco has provided a crucial local treatment option for hematological diseases.
• The initial success of autologous PBSC transplantation demonstrates the program's viability.
• Expansion to allogeneic transplantation presents a significant future challenge requiring further development and resources.