Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Singapore applies new technology in cancer treatment

Advantages of proton beam accelerator technology in malignant tumor radiotherapy

In recent years, the advent of Proton Radiation Therapy has allowed doctors to control where protons release most of their energy when they interact within a patient's body. The point at which the highest energy release occurs is called the "Bragg peak", which is created to coincide with the location of the targeted tumor.

Apart from the Bragg peak, the energy beam causes negligible cell damage and helps to keep healthy tissues unaffected. This is the reason why proton therapy has a relatively higher biological efficiency than traditional X-rays and gamma rays, helping to control and reduce side effects on patients.

Research and clinical trials conducted by Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Singapore have initially demonstrated the suitability of proton therapy in the treatment of paediatric cancers. Paediatric tumours will benefit from PBT as it can significantly reduce acute and long-term side effects such as: growth abnormalities, neurological complications, reduced IQ, cardiac, pulmonary and intestinal side effects, reduced fertility and secondary malignancies.

Bệnh viện Mount Elizabeth Novena Singapore ứng dụng công nghệ mới trong điều trị ung thư - 1 — The patient is being treated with a Proton radiotherapy machine.

Central nervous system tumors, sinus tumors, skull base tumors, and bone tumors have been successfully demonstrated with PBT. Treatment of recurrent tumors in previously irradiated sites may also benefit from PBT. For these patients, the choice of an individualized regimen will depend on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Benefits of PBT include: minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues; reducing treatment doses, shortening radiation duration, treating relapses that have already been treated with conventional radiotherapy; reducing the risk of secondary cancer, improving patient health and recovery.

Bệnh viện Mount Elizabeth Novena Singapore ứng dụng công nghệ mới trong điều trị ung thư - 2 — The difference between Proton radiation and regular radiation.

Proton radiation is applied to treat cases of: brain cancer, head - face - neck cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, spinal cancer and soft tissue - sarcoma.

Steps to follow

Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital was chosen as the pioneer to introduce the integrated proton therapy model. The hospital has built a dedicated radiation ward, located in the heart of Novena to provide high-quality personalized radiotherapy services and enhance the patient experience.

Bệnh viện Mount Elizabeth Novena Singapore ứng dụng công nghệ mới trong điều trị ung thư - 3 — Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.

The steps include:

CT localization : this is the first step to determine the patient's condition. The scanner will use 3D multidimensional images and biometric indicators to build a model to simulate the exact location of the tumor. A special procedure will be performed to ensure and adjust the position. Incorrect setup will affect the Bragg peak, so this first step is very important.

The radiologist then conducts treatment planning with a team of dosimetrists and physicists to deliver the best dose distribution to achieve the best coverage of the tumor while minimizing the dose to normal tissues. This helps ensure the quality of treatment for the patient before treatment begins. The specialists may also discuss with the patient nutrition planning or preventive treatments.

Treatment process : After the radiologist approves the radiation treatment regimen and plan, the patient will be treated. Each person has a personalized regimen, in which the amount of treatment rays, energy level as well as radiation location will be designed specifically to bring optimal treatment benefits. During the treatment, doctors, nurses and medical staff plan to monitor, advise and stay with the patient from the first day until the last radiation session.

Bệnh viện Mount Elizabeth Novena Singapore ứng dụng công nghệ mới trong điều trị ung thư - 4 — Proton therapy machine at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Singapore.

PMT radiation therapy promises to bring much hope to cancer patients, especially in helping patients improve their quality of life and minimizing risks and side effects to the lowest possible level.

Contact IHH Singapore Medical Group representative office in Ho Chi Minh City for support.