Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Hanbali | Therapeutic use of Cellular therapy in cancer treatment | Best Researcher Award
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Hanbali | King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center | Saudi Arabia
Dr. Amr AlHanbali is a dual-certified Hematology and Oncology consultant with over 18 years of experience in malignant and benign hematological conditions. Based at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he specializes in hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplantation. Dr. AlHanbali previously served as a senior staff physician and Associate Fellowship Program Director at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. Recognized for his academic involvement, he holds teaching appointments at Wayne State University and Alfaisal University. Known for his dedication to clinical mentorship, he has trained numerous medical students, residents, and fellows. He is actively involved in research and is a member of several prestigious medical organizations including the American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncology. With expertise ranging from bone marrow procedures to managing complex hematologic disorders, Dr. AlHanbali is a respected leader in the field of hematology and stem cell transplantation.
Publication Profile:
Strengths for the Award:
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Extensive Research Contribution
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Over 17 peer-reviewed publications, including impactful case reports, national guidelines, and original research in hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation.
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Active contributor to national guidelines on multiple myeloma, reflecting leadership in shaping national healthcare standards in KSA.
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Dual Academic and Clinical Roles
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Combines academic excellence (as faculty at Wayne State University and Alfaisal University) with hands-on clinical expertise at a premier institution (King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center).
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Innovative Focus in Hematology and Transplantation
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Research into underexplored areas such as hepatitis B reactivation post-rituximab, genetic donor match outcomes, and therapies for AL amyloidosis.
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International Exposure and Leadership
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Experience across the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, influencing programs in both systems.
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Played a key role in training and selecting future hematology-oncology fellows in the U.S.
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Mentorship and Capacity Building
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Mentored numerous trainees, enhancing research culture among younger clinicians.
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Areas for Improvement:
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Higher Impact Publications Needed
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While the volume and variety of research are commendable, more publications in top-tier journals (NEJM, Lancet, Blood, JCO) could boost citation impact and visibility.
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Research Grants and Collaborative Trials
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Pursuing multicenter studies, international collaborations, or industry-sponsored clinical trials would further elevate his profile and expand research funding sources.
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Technological Innovation/Patents
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Exploring biotech innovation, AI in diagnostics, or cellular therapy patents could position him among the top medical innovators.
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Education:
Dr. Amr AlHanbali completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Jordan in 1999. He pursued medical training in the United States, starting with an internal medicine residency (2001–2004) at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit. He continued his specialization with a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology (2004–2007) at the same institution. During his training, he also undertook elective rotations in Pediatric Cardiology and Gastroenterology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, further enriching his academic exposure. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine (2004), Hematology (2007), and Oncology (2007). Dr. AlHanbali holds academic titles as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Wayne State University, Detroit, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Alfaisal University, Riyadh. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in internal medicine, with a deep focus on hematology and oncology, further supported by teaching and research excellence.
Experience:
Dr. AlHanbali’s clinical career spans over 18 years, currently serving as Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh since 2013. Prior to this, he held multiple leadership roles at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, including Senior Staff Physician and Associate Fellowship Program Director (2007–2013). His medical expertise covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myeloproliferative disorders. Dr. AlHanbali also has extensive experience in stem cell transplantation, intrathecal chemotherapy, and bone marrow biopsy. He has been instrumental in resident selection and curriculum development for fellowship programs in hematology and oncology. His work bridges clinical excellence with academic mentorship, guiding numerous trainees and junior physicians. In addition to patient care, he is involved in clinical guideline development and research, particularly in the field of multiple myeloma and transplant outcomes.
Research Focus:
Dr. Amr AlHanbali’s research is centered on hematologic malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, and stem cell transplantation. His work explores novel therapeutic approaches, transplant outcomes, disease progression, and treatment-related complications. He has contributed significantly to research on hepatitis B reactivation, chemotherapy-induced toxicities, and the protective role of comorbidities like diabetes in cancer metastasis. As an active member of the Saudi Myeloma Working Group, he has co-authored national guidelines for both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. His studies also examine health disparities in cancer care, including outcomes among African American populations and the impact of familial genetics in donor matches. With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and case reports in high-impact journals, Dr. AlHanbali continues to push forward understanding in clinical hematology and oncology. He combines bedside insights with academic rigor to shape evidence-based practice and improve treatment outcomes in cancer and transplant medicine.
Publications Top Notes:
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Mediastinal Hematoma With SVC Syndrome From A Central Venous Catheter Insertion – CHEST, 2003
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Diabetes Has Protective Effect Against Metastasis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – Arch Intern Med, 2007
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Delayed Hepatitis B Viral Replication Post-Rituximab & Fludarabine in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia – Am J Hematol, 2007
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Acute Pancreatitis Induced by Adult Precursor B-cell ALL – South Med J, 2007
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Hypersensitivity Reaction of Mylotarg with Platelet Transfusion – Am J Health Syst Pharm, 2007
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Incidence of Hepatitis B Reactivation after Rituximab Therapy – Am J Hematol, 2009
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Outcomes After Auto-SCT in African Americans with Multiple Myeloma – Bone Marrow Transplant, 2009
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HER-2 Status May Change in Recurrent Breast Cancer – Cancer Research, 2009
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Compartment Syndrome as Presentation of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia – J Gen Intern Med, 2010
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Use of Insulin and its Effect on Survival in NSCLC – J Clin Oncol, 2009
Conclusion:
Dr. Amr AlHanbali demonstrates a stellar blend of clinical expertise, research productivity, academic mentorship, and leadership in hematology and oncology. His research contributions have practical implications in areas such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, transplant immunology, and chemotherapy safety.
He is highly deserving of recognition and stands out as a top contender for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in the categories of clinical research excellence, translational hematology, and medical education integration with research.