Auzzi Shopping

Men's Weekly

.

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council: Upholding Medical Innovations as a Cancer Care Centre of Excellence

  • Written by Auzzi Shopping

Malaysian health practitioners are at the helm of various new techniques to treat tongue, blood and orthopaedic-related cancers in their race to boost cancer care accessibility.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach - 6 April 2023 - Cancer has become a leading cause of premature death, with nearly 10 million lives being lost to the disease in 2020[1].

As the world celebrates the 2023 World Health Day with the theme Health for All, it is worth noting that healthcare practitioners are keeping pace with technological advances, which are increasingly opening up access to state-of-the-art treatments in oncology.

MHTC-Press-Release-General-Cancer-Awareness#5.jpg

In 2020, researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Malaysia devised a groundbreaking treatment for tongue cancer. Spearheaded by Dr. Gokula Kumar Appalanaido, a Visiting Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Penang Adventist Hospital, the technique proved successful, with two patients recovering within six months of clinical trials[2]. Known as Hybrid Brachytherapy Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (HyBIRT), brachytherapy needles are applied directly into the tumour, followed by further radiotherapy and chemotherapy. "Oncology has advanced by leaps and bounds. It's amazing how tumours can now be removed without surgery," said Dr. Gokula.

Underpinned by a professional training system, Malaysia benefits from a wealth of medical expertise, which is also behind a variety of oncology innovations. "For our part, allogeneic bone marrow transplants are now possible, even from donors who are only partially compatible genetically," said Dr. Ng Soo Chin, a consultant haematologist at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

Introduced to treat various blood cancers, including leukaemia, the method is found to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by up to 22%, as grafts from allogeneic transplants are free from contaminant cells[3],[4]. "This allows for a potentially enlarged pool of donors, like distant relatives, and what's more, it's almost as effective as a fully-matched transplant," continued Dr. Ng.

While surgeries sometimes cannot be avoided, numerous techniques have been developed through the years to facilitate better outcomes. One of these is limb-salvage surgery. It involves the targeted removal of a tumour without affecting the rest of the limb, thus negating the need for amputations in cases of orthopaedic-related cancer. According to researchers at USM, the survival rate for osteosarcoma patients who underwent limb-salvage surgery stood at 85% at two years, which is significantly greater than for amputees[5].

"We can now remove big portions of a bone or tissue, after which the defect is reconstructed, sometimes using donor cells," added Dr Prashant Narhari, a Visiting Consultant Orthopaedic, Traumatologist and Oncologist at the Penang Adventist Hospital.

As medical technology progresses, oncology treatments are evolving in tandem, with healthcare practitioners racing to enhance cancer care access for all. The growing availability of various cancer treatments in Malaysia is a step forward that aligns with this year's World Health Day's call for Health for All, becoming a testament to the shared commitment to improving patient outcomes within the country.

Find out more about Malaysia's oncology offerings at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP9MZ35Xfv0.

For more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org.my or visit our social feeds at: www.facebook.com/MHTCMalaysia or at LinkedIn (Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council).


Hashtag: #MalaysiaHealthcare

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the country's healthcare travel scene. Founded in 2009, MHTC works to streamline industry players and service providers in facilitating and growing Malaysia's healthcare travel industry under the brand "Malaysia Healthcare" with the intended goal of making Malaysia the leading global healthcare destination. MHTC works closely with over 80 private healthcare facilities in Malaysia, who are registered members of MHTC.

Today's Features at Auzzi

4 Benefits of Arranging Professional Conveyancing Services

The process of buying or selling can be complex and full of legal intricacies, which is why professional conveyancing services are recommended. A licensed conveyancer or solicitor can hel...

4 Benefits of Arranging Professional Conveyancing Services

The process of buying or selling can be complex and full of legal intricacies, which is why professional conveyancing services are recommended. A licensed conveyancer or solicitor can hel...

The Hibachi Birthday Surprise That Made My Sister Cry

The text from Mom came through at 10:37 AM: "Don't forget - your sister's birthday is tomorrow." Cue the panic. Not just any birthday - her 40th. And all I had planned was a sad grocery stor...

Buying in Sydney? Why You Need a Property Lawyer

Purchasing property in Sydney can feel like navigating a labyrinth. From deciphering strata reports to understanding complex contract clauses, the process is fraught with potential pitfall...

How to Spot a Great Caravan Deal

When you’re browsing caravans for sale, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by flashy features, limited time offers and endless specs. But whether you’re new to caravanning or looking to up...

About to Buy a Caravan? 3 Questions You'll Regret Not Asking

You’re stuck in traffic, a caravan beside you, driver looking considerably more relaxed than you are.  Your tea’s tipped onto your laptop bag and you’re running on fumes, anticipatin...

Are melatonin gummies safe? The Sweet Truth About Your Sleep Aid

Have you ever found yourself counting sheep that seem to have gone on strike while staring at the ceiling at 3 AM? You're not the only one. Every night, millions of people toss and turn, l...