In a groundbreaking move, Sharjah's The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) is set to support London's Virtual Cardio-Oncology Centre of Excellence with a £1 million donation. This funding will bolster the London-based initiative, which focuses on advancing scientific research and analysis of the long-term impacts of cancer treatments on the heart and blood vessels. Expected to benefit around 10 million people worldwide, this program stands out as the first of its kind in the UK and the largest in Europe.
The cornerstone of the Virtual Cardio-Oncology Centre of Excellence at London's Royal Brompton Hospital was laid by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of TBHF and wife of the Ruler of Sharjah. This significant event occurred during Sheikha Jawaher's visit to the hospital, where she was accompanied by a delegation from TBHF, including Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority.
Despite significant advancements in cancer therapies that have improved survival rates, the incidence of heart muscle diseases as a side effect remains concerningly high. Recent studies reveal that 10% of cancer patients die from cardiovascular diseases, with a larger number experiencing chronic heart conditions due to their cancer treatments. The program aims to uncover ways to mitigate these risks and develop new strategies to enhance the cardiovascular health of cancer patients.
The findings from this initiative will be disseminated to researchers, medical institutions, and hospitals globally, ensuring that the knowledge gained benefits patients worldwide who face both cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Sheikha Jawaher expressed her optimism, stating, "Science has given us remarkable tools, opening new paths of hope and tangible progress in public health. What was once a distant dream is now within our grasp. We eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions that will arise from the dedication of these brilliant minds, and more importantly, we look forward to seeing the restored health of patients and the renewed sense of assurance among their families."
Sheikha Jawaher also highlighted her pride in representing Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates in supporting the launch of this crucial medical research program for cardiovascular health in cancer patients. She emphasized her satisfaction that this responsibility is in the hands of a compassionate and professional global team.
During her visit, Sheikha Jawaher met with several patients who have developed heart conditions following cancer treatments. The program aims to foster networks of cooperation with research and academic institutions worldwide to enhance research methodologies and the credibility of results. It will also establish a highly specialized clinical research group to disseminate findings and maximize their benefits, while developing artificial intelligence algorithms for diagnosis, care, prediction, and prevention of cardiotoxicity.
Furthermore, the program contributes to the establishment of the UK's first biobank to store vital information about the disease, creating a global patient registry network in collaboration with international centers and organizations, and developing applications that support the program's objectives. Additionally, it introduces training programs for doctors and specialists alike.
