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Myanmese Patients Access Tailor Made Cancer Treatment.
Friday, 25 August 2006
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Complex cancer cases are treatable. |
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Multidisciplinary approach ensures optimal cancer care. |
Singapore, 25 August 2006 -
In April 06, an 81 year old Myanmese lady complained to her son that she could not swallow her food. An endoscopic biopsy showed that there was a cylindrical tumour in her oesophagus, 3 cm from the cricopharyngeal vertebrate. When there was no response to radiation treatment, she came to Singapore on the recommendation of oncologists at Yangon General Hospital. ‘Some of the drugs were not available in Myanmar and we wanted to see how we could access the latest multidisciplinary treatment combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We wanted to consult the experts at National Cancer centres Singapore (NCCS) since they see more complex cases, “ said Mr Win (not his real name), son of the lady.
NCCS is one of Asia’s most established institutes in treating head and neck cancer. Established in 1999 as a one-stop cancer centre offering holistic services, it has expanded its reach in the region and sees more than 1570 overseas patients each year. NCCS is especially known for its expertise in treating more complicated cancers, such as liver, head and neck, and lung cancer. About two-thirds of such cancers in Singapore are treated by the NCCS.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In NCCS, diagnosis of head and neck cancers usually begins with a physical examination. Further tests include the use of an endoscope to examine areas inside the body, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or PET scan. Samples of blood, urine, or a tissue sample are then taken to confirm the tumour type.
A/Prof London Lucien Ooi, Head of Hepatobiliary, Surgical Oncology and Chief of Hepatobiliary Surgery in National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), said, “An early and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure a good outcome for the patient, which is why we place a heavy focus in this area,” said Clinical A/Prof Ooi. “It allows us to plan the best treatment options and hence manage the cancer effectively.”
After careful diagnosis and detailed tests, oncologists at the centre have scheduled the Myanmese lady for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) treatment which includes intensive planning so that the radiation is targeted precisely at the tumour while avoiding damage to the healthy cells in organs around the tumour. This delicate and thorough planning is crucial since key organs and blood vessels are concentrated around the neck region. Treatment is carefully planned using 3D CT images to calculate the dose intensity pattern of the patient.
A powerful, cancer-fighting technology, IMRT uses computer-controlled x-ray accelerators to deliver intense radiation doses to a tumour, while minimizing radiation exposure to surround normal tissues. NCCS the first in the region to use IMRT in South East Asia. At NCCS, a team sub-specialising in head and neck cancer is involved in the IMRT process, including the radiation oncologist, medical radiation physicist, dosimetrist, radiation therapist and radiation therapy nurse.
Another Myanmese patient, Mrs Dow Onn Kyi, 83 who also came in July has received the IMRT treatment. Her tumour on her tongue has since shrunk thus lessening the pain and the swelling. “ Now my mother can enjoy her favourite curry”, said Dr Khin Win Kyu, daughter of the patient. Her mother has been in Singapore since the middle of July, having been diagnosed with tongue cancer.
Prevention and lifestyle
For Mrs Dow, years of betel nut chewing could possibly a cause of her tongue cancer. Prof Soo Khee Chee, Director of NCCS: ‘Head and neck cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent across Asia, especially among people who chew betel nut on a frequent basis. Each cancer treatment is unique and you need experts to select the most appropriate and optimal treatment.’
Patient and Family support
For Dr Khin Win Kyu and her family, she has somewhat settled in comfortably at her rented apartment near NCCS. In between receiving treatment, the family has even found time to visit tourist attractions like the zoo. They have also located Myanmese supermarkets which sell Myanmese curry ingredients so they are able to cook their mother’s favourite dishes. In addition, Ms Khin Than Joo, the other daughter of the patient, has also joined the NCCS head and neck support group for patients and care givers. The support group provides them with tips on how to help their loved ones cope with the side effect of the treatment, in this case hair loss and dryness in the mouth.
Easy access to Cancer Care
“We are grateful that Myanmar Zircon could facilitate visa applications for the trip, provide accommodation contacts so that 3 months after diagnosis, we could come to Singapore by July, “ said Mr Win. Most importantly treatment in NCCS has provided options and hope for his mother to receive the latest and best possible cancer care in Singapore.
How to spot head and neck cancer
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Difficulty in chewing or pain when swallowing |
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Prolonged hoarseness or a change in the voice |
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Earache |
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Bleeding in the mouth / throat |
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Persistent pain in the throat |
| Less common symptoms include: |
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Unhealed mouth sores which persist for more than two weeks |
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Lumps on the lips, mouth or throat |
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Pain or swelling in the neck or jaw |
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Difficulty in moving the tongue or jaw |
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Unusual white or red patches in the mouth |
Fast facts on NCCS
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NCCS is a national and regional cancer centre with a nexus of specialised centres, providing patients with a multi-disciplinary treatment approach |
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NCCS is the one of the centres in the Asia Pacific region to offer:
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Surgical oncology |
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Oncology imaging |
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neoadjuvant therapies |
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peritonectomy |
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contrast-enhanced ultrasound |
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sub-specialty pathology on oncology treatment (rare in the region) |
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provide a multidisciplinary approach with nexus of specialised centres |
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High-end and complicated surgeries calls for high volume of resources to be made available. NCCS treats two-thirds of high-end surgery, especially in the area of liver, head and neck and lung cancer. |
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NCCS acts as the training centre for high-end surgery, nursing as well as palliative care for medical professionals in the region. |
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Using the latest integrated Oncology Electronic Medical Record system, NCCS is able to promote cross consultation by different cancer experts handling each patient’s case. |
Readers can visit www.nccs.com.sg or call +65 6436 8000 to find our more about NCCS.
About National Cancer Centre Singapore
The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a national and regional centre directed at the prevention and treatment of different cancers including thoracic, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, head and neck cancers. Structurally and operationally designed to provide integrated and holistic patient-centred clinical services, it allows cross-consultation among cancer experts of different specialties. Patients can, therefore, enjoy personalised, prompt and customised cancer treatment recommended by a team of radiation, surgical and medical oncologists (cancer experts) during the same visit.
As a one-stop specialist centre housing Singapore's largest pool of oncologists, it has state of the art equipment and employs the latest therapies including mini transplants and targeted therapies which maximise outcomes and minimise undesirable side effects. NCCS also conducts clinical and basic research as well as public cancer education programmes wholly directed at the prevention and treatment of cancer.
For more details, photos and media interviews on the above, please click [here].
For foreign patient service, pls contact: 65 62369433, E-mail: foreign_patient@nccs.com.sg. When in Myanmar please call: 95 102949/ 95 1220140.
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