Malaysia Advocates Early Detection, Advanced Therapies For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among Malaysian men, with a staggering 70% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages. This late detection drastically reduces survival chances, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and affordable treatments.

Dr. Lingeswaran Kasilingam, Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician at Beacon Hospital explains that these scans can spot lesions as small as 0.3 cm, providing unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy.

Unlike traditional bone scans, PSMA PET scans reduce radiation exposure and streamline the diagnostic process, enhancing patient comfort and improving clinical outcomes.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is another game-changer, delivering highly targeted radiation with sub-millimetre precision.

Known as the ‘sniper’ of prostate cancer treatment, Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim A. Wahid, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Medical Director at Beacon Hospital, explains that SBRT not only reduces side effects and shortens treatment time to just a few sessions but also ensures minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues, dramatically improving patients’ quality of life.

With a remarkable five-year control rate of 95-97%, SBRT is revolutionising prostate cancer care.

Radioligand Therapy (RLT) offers hope for patients with advanced prostate cancer, delivering targeted radiation while sparing healthy tissues. Ongoing clinical trials since 2017 show promising results, especially for those who have exhausted other treatment options.

Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim emphasises that Malaysia’s combination of high-quality, cost-effective cancer care is attracting patients from Australia, Iran, Indonesia, and other countries, reinforcing the country’s position as a regional and international leader in cancer treatment.

For full article, source : Bernama