Day: April 23, 2025

Amman: A specialized medical team at the King Abdullah University Hospital and the Saudi Radiotherapy Center made a remarkable accomplishment, treating a case of advanced colon cancer that spread to the liver, using high-precision targeted radiotherapy. “This success reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing best possible healthcare through investment in modern medical technology and training national staff at the highest levels,” said the hospital’s Director General, Dr. Hassan Al-Bals.

According to Jordan News Agency, it is a qualitative leap in the treatment of tumors using precise and safe techniques, and it underlines the pioneering status of the hospital and the Saudi Center in providing advanced medical services in Jordan and the entire region. The hospital is one of the first institutions to successfully use Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in cancer treatment, he said, stressing a determination to continue developing treatment services, which will positively impact the health of patients across the Arab world.

“This achievement is the first of its kind at the hospital, and is a milestone in oncology treatment,” said Dr. Laith Samhouri, a radiotherapy consultant at the Saudi center. He said the medical team successfully used SBRT to treat a 61-year-old patient diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019 after being admitted to the hospital as an emergency due to acute intestinal obstruction, and that a malignant tumor was found in the colon.

The patient underwent intensive chemotherapy over a year, but the disease continued to progress in the following years, with recurrent liver metastases, requiring multiple changes in chemotherapy protocols without stable results, said Samhouri. In late 2024, imaging studies showed a clear increase in the number and size of liver metastases, prompting the medical team to make the critical decision to use SBRT as a precise and effective treatment option, he added.

Samhouri said it is one of the latest non-surgical radiotherapy techniques, relying on directing high doses of radiation with extreme precision to tumors, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is effective in treating small and medium-sized tumors in sensitive areas, such as the liver, lungs, spine, brain, and others, in a limited number of sessions, he added. For this case, an advanced treatment plan was developed using 4D CT simulation imaging to precisely locate the tumor, along with dynamic Cone-Beam CT to direct radiation during each treatment session. It included treating four liver metastases over eight intermittent treatment sessions, he said.

Samhouri said the results were astounding, adding that three months after treatment, tests showed all liver metastases completely disappeared and no new cancerous foci appeared with a complete response to treatment without a need for surgical intervention.

Amman: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised His Majesty King Abdullah II for his unwavering support for the Palestinian people and his strong stance against Israeli attempts to expel Palestinians. During his address at the opening of the 32nd session of the Palestinian Central Council on Wednesday, Abbas lauded the King’s commitment to safeguarding the holy sites in Palestine.

According to Jordan News Agency, Abbas called for the prevention of any attempts to displace the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, noting the significance of coordinating efforts with both Jordan and Egypt. He praised Jordan and Egypt’s “decisive and honourable” positions in rejecting displacement and supporting the Palestinian people’s presence in their homeland.

Abbas thanked Arab leaders for their solidarity in the Palestinian struggle, stating, “I cannot fail to acknowledge the support of our brotherly Arab leaders kings, princes and presidents all of whom have stood with us in our fight for freedom, independence and self-determination.” Abbas underscored the urgent need to halt what he described as the Israeli “campaign of extermination” against the Gaza Strip and called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the territory.

He called for an end to the repeated Israeli assaults on Palestinian cities, villages, and camps in the occupied West Bank, as well as for the protection of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, Hebron, and across Palestinian territories. Abbas stressed that the actions of the Israeli occupation forces in the occupied West Bank are aimed at undermining the Palestinian national cause and imposing colonial practices through violence.

He noted that the situation in Jerusalem, “our eternal and sacred capital,” reflects the broader challenges facing the Palestinian homeland. He said Israel has sought to impose a fait accompli on the Palestinian people through a strict siege, the destruction of homes and facilities, and the obstruction of access to holy sites, all while combatting Palestinian identity and presence through aggression and terror.

The President condemned Israel’s violation of international law and its disregard for signed agreements with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). He criticised the economic blockade on Palestinians, including the withholding of over two billion dollars in clearance revenues by Israel, alongside the seizure of Palestinian-owned lands and property.

Abbas emphasized the necessity for the Palestinian National Authority to uphold its responsibilities across all Palestinian territories Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, and Jerusalem without discrimination. He called for a renewed commitment to national unity founded on shared legal, institutional, and political frameworks.

To realise this goal, he said, Hamas must relinquish its control of the Gaza Strip and transfer governance to the Palestinian National Authority, thereby enhancing security and stability throughout the territories. He said peace could be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establishing a Palestinian state.

Amman: The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) organized a workshop on Wednesday, focusing on “Awareness, Treatment, and Community Support for an Addiction-Free Future,” at its headquarters. This event marks a strategic step in the department’s ongoing efforts to shield society from the dangers of narcotics.

According to Jordan News Agency, the workshop saw active participation from youth, particularly those involved in community initiatives, alongside representatives from both governmental and private institutions. The attendees delved into critical issues aimed at combating drug-related challenges, focusing on the psychological, health, and social impacts of drug use, safe treatment mechanisms, legal challenges, and misconceptions surrounding the recovery process.

This initiative is part of a comprehensive vision adopted by the Public Security Directorate (PSD), with the goal of raising community awareness and empowering the youth to take a significant role in the fight against drugs. The workshop emphasized the importance of youth engagement in addressing these challenges, highlighting their potential to contribute to a drug-free future.

Tripoli: Forty Jordanian industrial companies are participating in the Tripoli International Fair, marking a significant opportunity for Jordan’s industry to expand its presence in the Libyan market. Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), Fathi Jaghbir, highlighted the fair’s strategic importance as a platform for showcasing Jordanian products.

According to Jordan News Agency, Jaghbir emphasized Libya’s potential as a promising market where Jordanian products, distinguished by their quality and diversity, can compete effectively. He also noted that the event serves beyond mere product display, offering a chance to strengthen bilateral economic relations.

Jaghbir, who also leads the Amman Chamber of Industry, pointed out that the fair provides a venue for Jordanian delegates to engage directly with their Libyan counterparts. This interaction is expected to facilitate negotiations on investment opportunities and forge future trade partnerships.

Furthermore, Jaghbir announced plans for the JCI to sign a joint cooperation agreement with the General Libyan Union of Chambers of Commerce (GLUCC). This agreement aims to establish a solid foundation for economic and commercial relations between Jordan and Libya, promoting trade exchange and the transfer of industrial expertise.

He concluded by stressing the necessity for ongoing government support for such initiatives, noting their critical role in bolstering the regional presence of the Jordanian industry and opening new markets. These efforts are anticipated to contribute significantly to supporting the national economy.

Amman: Senate President Faisal Fayez met with a delegation of US Congressional aides to discuss Jordanian-US ties and the situation in the region. During the meeting, which included Senator Ali Al-Ayed, Rapporteur of the Senate Committee on Arab, International and Expatriates Affairs, Fayez emphasized the strong relations between the two countries and Jordan’s commitment to enhancing them across various fields, including economic and investment partnerships.

According to Jordan News Agency, Fayez highlighted Jordan’s comprehensive reform strategy encompassing political, economic, and administrative aspects. He addressed the economic and security challenges Jordan faces due to regional conflicts and expressed appreciation for US aid, while urging a reconsideration of the tariffs recently imposed by the US administration on Jordan.

Fayez called for the reversal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s decision to halt aid to Jordan, particularly in health, education, and empowerment of women and youth, to help the country tackle economic challenges and maintain regional peace and stability. He underscored Jordan’s pivotal role in the region and its importance as a symbol of stability, warning that any threat to its security could have serious implications for the entire region.

The Senate head also briefed the US delegation on King Abdullah’s efforts to achieve regional stability, restore the ceasefire in Gaza, and resume humanitarian aid to the Strip. Fayez reiterated that regional security and stability are contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with the two-state solution and international resolutions.

Furthermore, Fayez reaffirmed Jordan’s stance against any resolution to the Palestinian issue that compromises Jordan’s national interests, highlighting King Abdullah’s firm position on the matter with the three “No’s”: No to an alternative homeland, no to resettlement, and maintaining the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem as a non-negotiable red line.

Amman: His Majesty King Abdullah II returned to Jordan on Wednesday, following a working visit to Saudi Arabia.

According to Jordan News Agency, the visit was aimed at discussing bilateral relations between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The discussions included talks on various regional issues and ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations. King Abdullah’s visit underscores the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties and continuous dialogue with neighboring countries in the region.

The return of King Abdullah II marks the conclusion of a significant diplomatic engagement, which is expected to further strengthen Jordan’s position in regional politics. The outcome of the discussions in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to have a lasting impact on future collaborations between the two countries.