Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the Sultanate of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the Arabian Gulf countries with a total population of 4,414,051 as of mid 2016, of which 2,427,825 are Omanis. The gross national income per capita was 7327.7 RO (Omani rial; equivalent to US$19,033) in 2014. There are two hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) centers in Oman: the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH; allogeneic and autologous) and the Royal Hospital (RH; autologous). HSCT activity in Oman started in 1995 at the SQUH center, which had only one bed, and four cases were performed in that year. The number of allogeneic HSCTs at the SQUH ranged between four and 29 cases per year, of which malignancy was the main indication for transplantation (47%). Most of the transplants were performed from identical sibling donor. T-deplete haploidentical and recently T-replete haploidentical HSCT were also performed at the SQUH center. In the allogeneic HSCT cohort transplanted at the SQUH, the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (Grades II-IV) was 18%, whereas the risk of extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease was 8%. The HSCT unit at the RH, which started in 2014, performs autologous HSCT procedures only. The number of autologous HSCT cases at the RH ranged between three and 16 cases per year. Limited bed availability is a frequent obstacle to HSCT in Oman. Construction of a much larger national HSCT center is about to be completed, which will likely improve access to transplant services in Oman.