Establishing a New Radiotherapy Centre in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Successes
Dr. Mymoona Alzouebi1*, Dr. Salem Ben Abdulrahman2, Dr. Ismail Al Dahlawi3, Dr. Qasim Al Alwani4, Dr. Ibrahim Alotain5, Dr. Abdulmottaleb AlDandan6, Dr. Adbulrahman AlabdulAli7
1Head of Radiation Oncology King Fahad Hospital Hofuf KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Radiation Oncologist Former Consultant Clinical Oncologist - Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
2Specialist Radiation Oncologist, KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
3Consultant Medical Physicist, KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
4Consultant Radiologist, KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
5Consultant Radiation Oncologist, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam KFSHD- Saudi Arabia.
6Consultant Medical Oncologist, Medical Director, KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
7Consultant Medical Oncologist, Managing Director, KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
*Corresponding Author: Mymoona Alzouebi, Head of Radiation Oncology KFHH- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Radiation Oncologist Former Consultant Clinical Oncologist - Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAMR.2025.03.021
Received: October 19, 2025
Published: November 11, 2025
Citation: Alzouebi M, Abdulrahman SB, Al Dahlawi I, Alwani QA, Alotain I, AlDandan A, AlabdulAli A. Establishing a New Radiotherapy Centre in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Successes. SVOA Medical Research 2025, 3:5, 181-186. doi: 10.58624/SVOAMR.2025.03.021
Abstract
Background: The burden of cancer in Saudi Arabia continues to increase, necessitating equitable expansion of oncolo gy services. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment but remains unevenly distributed across regions.
Aim: This article presents the establishment of the Abdul Latif Jabr Radiotherapy Centre at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Ahsa. We describe epidemiologic context, service gaps, implementation strategies, and the challenges and successes encountered.
Results: Major challenges included regulatory approval, infrastructure design, workforce shortages, and cultural acceptance. Successes included multisectoral collaboration, timely commissioning of linear accelerators (LINACs), integration of advanced radiotherapy techniques (IGRT, VMAT, DIBH), and effective workforce training programs. Within 18 months, the centre reduced external referrals by >70%, improved compliance, and provided comprehensive radiotherapy services including pediatric radiotherapy with anesthesia support.
Conclusion: The Al-Ahsa radiotherapy project demonstrates that decentralized, high-quality radiotherapy delivery is achievable in Saudi Arabia. Strategic partnerships, investment in human capital, and patient-centered approaches are critical to sustaining oncology expansion under Saudi Vision 2030.
Keywords: Radiotherapy, Cancer care, Saudi Arabia, Oncology services, Health system development, Vision 2030