King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh – United Arab Emirates
About Dr. Riad El Fakih
Dr. Riad El Fakih is a Consultant in Lymphoma and Myeloma within the Division of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant & Cellular Therapy, and Head of the Clinical Research Department at one of Saudi Arabia's leading tertiary cancer centres. He is a sought-after Lymphoma / Myeloma specialist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with deep expertise in bone marrow transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Over 80 peer-reviewed publications, two handbooks, and four book chapters in hematology and stem cell transplantation
- 155+ indexed publications on ResearchGate
- Recipient of the first-class Best Research Award 2020 from the Saudi Society of Blood Disorders
- Adjunct faculty at Alfaisal University, Riyadh
- American Board certified in Hematology and Oncology
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- MD — Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Internal Medicine Residency — University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
- Hematology & Oncology Fellowship — Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
Fellowships & Special Training
- Cellular Therapy & Bone Marrow Transplantation Fellowship — University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
Certifications & Accreditations
- American Board of Hematology
- American Board of Oncology
- Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) registration
Areas of Expertise
Major Conditions Treated
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Aplastic Anemia
- Pediatric-type Follicular Lymphoma
Sub-specialties
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Leading adult CAR-T cell therapy programmes at a regional centre of excellence — a key option for best lymphoma and myeloma treatment in Saudi Arabia.
- Allogeneic & Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: Expert in matched sibling, matched unrelated, and haploidentical bone marrow transplants for haematological malignancies.
- Clinical Research in Haematology: Heads the Clinical Research Department, driving multi-national trials accessible to international patients seeking advanced lymphoma / myeloma care.
Advanced Procedures & Treatments
- Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
- Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (matched sibling, unrelated, haploidentical)
- CD19 CAR-T Cell Therapy (Tisagenlecleucel, point-of-care manufactured)
- Induction and Salvage Chemotherapy for Lymphoma and Myeloma
- Bispecific Antibody Therapy
- Immunomodulatory and Proteasome Inhibitor Therapy
- Cryopreservation-Free Stem Cell Transplantation Protocols
Professional Experience
Current Affiliation
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Consultant, Adult Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant & Cellular Therapy; Head, Clinical Research Department (Current)
Past Affiliations
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA — Fellow, Cellular Therapy & Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA — Hematology & Oncology Fellow
- University of Kansas, USA — Internal Medicine Resident
Academic & Research Roles
- Adjunct Faculty, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh
- Editorial Board Member — Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy journal
Key Achievements
- 80+ peer-reviewed publications, 2 handbooks, and 4 book chapters
- 155+ indexed publications on ResearchGate in lymphoma, myeloma, and stem cell transplantation
- Best Research Award 2020 (first class) — Saudi Society of Blood Disorders
- Best Teaching Faculty Award — University of Oklahoma
- Key contributor to Saudi Arabia's first in-house point-of-care CAR-T manufacturing programme
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Best Research Award 2020 (first class) — Saudi Society of Blood Disorders
- Best Teaching Faculty Award — University of Oklahoma, USA
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Hematology (ASH)
- Worldwide Network for Blood & Marrow Transplantation (WBMT)
- Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (EMBMT)
- Saudi Society of Blood Disorders
Research & Publications
Published Papers (Selected)
- El Fakih R, Komrokji R, Shaheen M, Almohareb F, Rasheed W, Hassanein M. Azacitidine Use for Myeloid Neoplasms. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2018;18(4):e147-e155. DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.02.005
- Ahmed SO, El Fakih R, Kharfan-Dabaja MA et al. Setting up a CAR-T Program: A Framework for Delivery from the Worldwide Network for Blood & Marrow Transplantation. 2025.
- Alnughmush A, El Fakih R, Mohammed S, Aljurf M. Pediatric-type follicular lymphoma: a short review. 2022 (PMC9732916).
- Bekadja MA, Niederwieser D, Kharfan-Dabaja MA, El Fakih R et al. Non-cryopreserved autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma and lymphoma in countries with limited resources: practice considerations from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2025;60(1):19-27. DOI: 10.1038/s41409-024-02431-y
Ongoing Research & Clinical Interests
- Bone marrow transplantation outcomes
- CAR-T cell therapy (CD19, point-of-care manufacturing)
- Lymphoma and multiple myeloma treatment strategies
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adolescents and young adults
Estimated Treatment Costs
| Procedure / Consultation | Estimated Cost (SAR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hematology / Transplant Consultation | SAR 500 – SAR 1,500 | $135 – $400 |
| Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation | SAR 150,000 – SAR 300,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation | SAR 300,000 – SAR 600,000 | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| CAR-T Cell Therapy (commercial products) | SAR 1,300,000 – SAR 1,800,000 | $347,000 – $480,000 |
| Chemotherapy Cycle (lymphoma/myeloma regimen) | SAR 20,000 – SAR 80,000 | $5,300 – $21,300 |
*Indicative estimates only. Actual costs subject to hospital pricing, case complexity, and insurance. Contact Cancer Rounds for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What advanced technologies does Dr. Riad El Fakih use as a Hematologist?
Dr. Riad El Fakih uses advanced evidence-based treatments including CD19 CAR-T cell therapy (Tisagenlecleucel, plus in-house point-of-care manufactured CAR-T), autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, bispecific antibodies, and the latest proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory regimens for multiple myeloma. Virtual consultations and remote second opinions are available to international patients through Cancer Rounds.
2. What conditions does Dr. Riad El Fakih specialize in treating?
Dr. Riad El Fakih specialises in adult lymphoma and multiple myeloma, including Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, relapsed/refractory myeloma, acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and aplastic anemia. International patients routinely travel to Riyadh for complex bone marrow transplant and CAR-T cases under his care.
3. How do I book an appointment with Dr. Riad El Fakih?
Appointments with Dr. Riad El Fakih can be booked directly through the Cancer Rounds website or by contacting their international patient department for priority scheduling.
4. Can international patients receive treatment from Dr. Riad El Fakih?
Yes. Cancer Rounds provides full assistance for international patients seeking treatment from Dr. Riad El Fakih, including Saudi Arabia medical visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and local accommodation coordination in Riyadh.
5. What support is available for international patients?
International patients benefit from a dedicated concierge service provided by Cancer Rounds, including language interpretation (Arabic, English, and more), financial counselling, and pre-travel virtual consultations to review medical records before arrival in Riyadh.
6. Does Dr. Riad El Fakih offer second opinions as a Hematologist?
Yes. Second opinion consultations can be arranged via Cancer Rounds for patients who wish to review their diagnosis or treatment plan with Dr. Riad El Fakih, an expert Hematologist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
