At 61 years old, Hamad Al Marri, a Qatari national and department head at a government organization in Qatar, never imagined that mild hearing loss in his right ear would mark the beginning of a battle with one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
What started as a seemingly minor symptom ultimately became an inspiring story of recovery and a powerful message of hope for patients across Qatar and the broader Gulf region.
When Hamad first noticed gradual hearing loss in his right ear, he assumed it was simply an ear-related problem. However, as the symptom persisted, he consulted an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist at a local healthcare center, who referred him to Hamad Medical Corporation for further tests, including an MRI scan.
The diagnosis came as a complete shock, Hamad had nasopharynx cancer. The cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is unknown. There are factors that increase the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer, which includes the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), genetic redisposition, family history, heavy diets of salt-cured meats and fish, and occupational exposure to formaldehyde. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common among men and diagnosis peaks around the age of 50.
The scans revealed a tumor in the back of his nose and his doctors explained that it required urgent intervention, including a biopsy to determine its nature and immediate treatment without delay.
Looking back, Hamad says the most frightening moment was learning that the tumor was aggressive and could spread rapidly.
He remembered a friend who had successfully overcome a similar cancer after receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York.
“A close friend of mine had been treated for a similar type of cancer at MSK eight years earlier,” Hamad recalls. “Thankfully, he made a full recovery and continues to enjoy good health today. Hearing about his experience gave me confidence, so I didn’t hesitate to seek treatment at MSK in New York.”
Hamad contacted MSK’s Bobst International Center, MSK’s international patient services program, and MSK’s international care navigators immediately collected Hamad’s medical reports and imaging copies, and connected Hamad with Dr. David Pfister, a medical oncologist and Nancy Lee, a radiation oncologist who both specialize in treating a wide range of head and neck cancers, including cancers of the oral cavity, throat, thyroid, and salivary glands, and are internationally recognized specialists in treating nasopharyngeal cancer
During the consultation conducted with the assistance of an Arabic interpreter, Dr. Pfister and Dr. Nancy Lee explained that they had carefully reviewed Hamad’s medical reports and reassured him that there was every reason to be optimistic.
Under the care of MSK’s multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer team lead by Drs. Richard Wong, Nancy Lee, and Alan Ho, and with continuous support from the Bobst International Center, the team developed a personalized treatment plan for Hamad that he could begin within just two weeks.
“I was physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed,” Hamad says. “But when Dr. Pfister looked at me and said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ve been treating these cancers for more than twenty years,’ it was the first time since my diagnosis that I truly felt hopeful.”
Hamad underwent a comprehensive treatment plan that included proton therapy concurrent with chemotherapy. Dr. Nancy Lee carefully explained all the details of the radiation treatment plan and reassured him that he is receiving the state-of-the-art treatment.
“When I first arrived at the hospital, I was overwhelmed not knowing what to expect, but the care I received from the caregivers and the clinical team and staff of the international patient department made me feel at home as they treated me as if I was a member of their family,” added Hamad.
Reflecting on her role in Hamad’s care, Shaimaa Mustafa, Senior Care Navigator at the international Patient Department at MSK said “It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to assist Mr. Al Marri. He has always been highly responsive, consistently replying promptly to questions from our clinical team and requests for medical records. Mr. Al Marri is truly one of the kindest and easy-going patients I have had the pleasure of working with. Supporting him felt like caring for a member of my own family. I wish him continued good health and happiness in the years ahead.”
Despite the concerns many cancer patients have about treatment, Hamad says his experience was far better than he had anticipated.
“I received chemotherapy every week, but I experienced very few side effects,” he says. “I had no difficulty speaking, swallowing, or eating, and I didn’t even lose my hair.”
Even more remarkably, the hearing loss that had first alerted him that something was wrong gradually improved throughout treatment and disappeared completely after therapy was completed, according to Hamad.
Today, three years after finishing treatment, Hamad has returned to his normal life. For Hamad, however, the greatest transformation has not only been physical, but also personal.
“This journey taught me never to lose hope,” he says. “Early diagnosis and choosing a medical center with extensive expertise in treating these cancers, can truly make the difference between life and death.”
He now encourages patients across Qatar and the Gulf region not to ignore persistent or unusual symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem, and to seek medical advice as early as possible.
“My message to anyone facing a similar diagnosis is simple,” Hamad concludes. “Don’t give in to fear and never lose hope. Seek treatment at a specialized center with deep experience in treating these cancers. Experienced physicians give patients confidence before they even begin treatment. With faith, hope, and the right medical care, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.”