Latest news with #ProtonBeamTherapy
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Hope, precision and healing: advancing brain tumour care
A brain tumour is an abnormal mass or growth of cells in the brain. The sudden and unpredictable nature of brain tumours highlight how these conditions can affect individuals of any age, often without warning. These complex tumours range from benign growths to aggressive cancers. Increasing awareness about early symptoms and treatment options can dramatically improve clinical outcomes for patients, giving them a second chance at life. Stories of hope All patients with brain tumours have a unique story of how they faced their distinct set of challenges. Consider the story of Mr. G, a devoted father and businessman diagnosed with a right temporal glioblastoma. In an initial surgery, only the tumour's core was removed, and the cancer margins regrew to their original size before radiation could be started. An MRI scan revealed that another surgery was needed. With an intraoperative ultrasound and neuronavigation, our team at was able to remove the tumour completely and safely. Today, Mr. G is stable and recovering well. He will soon receive Proton Beam Therapy — a form of targeted radiation. Neuronavigation systems provide GPS-like precision inside the brain, while an intraoperative ultrasound helps locate the tumour in real time. Together, these tools have increased the extent of tumour removal — a factor closely tied to survival. Some tumours hide in the brain's deepest, most delicate regions. This was the case with 18-year-old K.S. from Ethiopia, who first underwent surgery and radiation for a brain tumour in 2019. When he returned to India in early 2024 with one-sided weakness, imaging revealed a cystic lesion with a calcified component deep within the midbrain. Pathology confirmed it as a benign pilocytic astrocytoma. After draining the cyst, there was some improvement but symptoms recurred a year later. Facing a recurrence in a high-risk location, an ultrasonic aspirator and meticulous microsurgical techniques were used to remove the lesion entirely. Now tumour-free, K.S. has returned home with a restored future. In hard-to-reach brain areas that control speech, movement, and vision, ultrasonic surgical aspirators are vital. At 19, Mr. E experienced sudden seizures and foot paralysis. Scans revealed a 3 cm tumour situated in the right motor cortex, the area that controls voluntary movement. Preserving function in such delicate terrain is paramount. Surgeons used real-time neurophysiological monitoring with neuro-navigation and an intraoperative ultrasound to map critical brain regions and guide the resection. A tiny residual margin, deemed too risky for surgical removal, was scheduled for precision proton therapy. Neurophysiological monitoring tracks brain function during surgery, helping surgeons avoid damage to critical areas and preserve key abilities like movement and speech. Modern advances in medical technology Brain tumour care has evolved dramatically since the days of basic imaging and single-angle X-rays. Modern neuro-navigation systems function like an internal GPS, while intraoperative ultrasounds provide live visualisation of tumour boundaries. Ultrasonic aspirators rapidly break up tumour tissue with sound waves, enabling gentle suction and irrigation that shorten the duration of surgery. In radiation therapy, proton beam treatment delivers radiation layer by layer, conforming tightly to the tumour, sparing surrounding tissues and reducing side effects by up to 60%, particularly in children. For patients who cannot undergo surgery or have deep-seated lesions, gyroscopic radiosurgery platforms offer fully non-invasive, outpatient treatments in sessions as brief as 30 minutes, targeting tumours from multiple angles with surgical precision. No single specialty works in isolation. Each individual with a brain tumour diagnosis benefits from a multidisciplinary tumour board - neurosurgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, imaging specialists, pathologists, geneticists, and rehabilitation therapists collaborate on every diagnosis and treatment plan. Advanced technology and compassionate care go hand in hand, ensuring every patient feels informed and supported throughout their journey. The power of early action Brain tumours can be unpredictable: some remain stable for years, while others can double in size within weeks. Persistent headaches, sudden vision changes, seizures, memory lapses, or unexplained limb weakness should never be overlooked. Timely MRI or CT scans can open the door to more treatment options and better outcomes. As cutting-edge technology continues to develop and care teams refine their expertise, the message is one of optimism that even in the most complex cases, there remains hope for healing. By turning early warnings into prompt action, patients can look forward to the brightest possible tomorrow with a chance at a new life! (Dr. Ari G. Chacko is a senior consultant, neurosurgery and director of neurosciences, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai. arichacko@
Arab News
09-02-2025
- Health
- Arab News
‘United by Unique': How Saudi Arabia is transforming cancer care in the Gulf
Across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, cancer rates are projected to increase by over 140 percent between 2020 and 2040, making oncology one of the most critical therapy areas for the region. Today is World Cancer Day, and the theme for the next two years is 'United by Unique,' which prioritizes patient-centric care and puts people at the heart of the conversation. Saudi Arabia is leading the way in this regard, through the Proton Beam Therapy Centre and the new Oncology Center of Excellence, which will be built in Riyadh. Both facilities aim to drive forward patient outcomes and experiences through innovation. United in innovation and care Riyadh's Oncology Center of Excellence was announced just this week by Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. The center will focus on treating breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, which are three of the most diagnosed cancers in the region. Since 2014, when Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins Medicine collaborated in establishing JHAH to pioneer health innovation in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, they have launched over 50 knowledge-sharing programs in a range of specialisms including oncology, cardiology, and neurology. A unique approach to cancer treatment Cancer treatment is evolving, and proton therapy is among the most advanced solutions available today. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which can affect surrounding healthy tissue, proton beam therapy delivers highly targeted radiation with millimeter precision. This precision reduces side effects and improves outcomes, making it particularly effective for treating tumors in sensitive areas such as the brain, spine, and head and neck, as well as in children. Kingdom's oncologists and medical researchers now have access to groundbreaking technology Saudi Arabia's Proton Beam Therapy Centre is evidence of the country's commitment to cutting-edge healthcare solutions. As the first facility of its kind in the region, it welcomes 1,700 patients annually, offering an alternative to specialized care in Europe or the US for GCC residents. This marks a major milestone in medical self-sufficiency and regional accessibility, but the true impact of the Proton Beam Therapy Centre is best seen in the stories of those whose lives have been changed by its capabilities. Transforming lives, one patient at a time These centers are symbols of collaboration, bringing together global expertise and local talent to deliver world-class cancer care. Through partnerships with leading international medical institutions, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that its healthcare professionals remain at the cutting edge of medical advancements. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's oncologists and medical researchers now have access to groundbreaking technology that allows them to push the boundaries of cancer treatment, participate in international clinical trials, and contribute to global oncology advancements. Thanks to these centers, families no longer have to consider the stress and cost of seeking treatment in far-away locations where language and culture are potential barriers. Now, they receive world-class care without leaving the GCC region, ensuring continuity of support from loved ones while benefiting from the latest in precision medicine. Moreover, both facilities are designed to serve both Saudi citizens and international patients, reinforcing the Kingdom's ambition to become a global hub for specialized healthcare. By integrating state-of-the-art treatment with holistic patient care, the center embodies the principles of Vision 2030 — emphasizing well-being, innovation, and sustainability A future built on hope and investment As Saudi Arabia accelerates its investments in precision medicine and advanced healthcare infrastructure, the Proton Beam Therapy Centre and Oncology Centre of Excellence represent the country's progress and promise, reflecting the Kingdom's vision of becoming a leader in medical innovation, not just for its own people but for the world. Saudi Arabia's message is clear: The Kingdom is united by its unique commitment to transforming cancer care and providing hope for a healthier future. • Dr. Faisal Al-Dahmashi, assistant deputy minister for hospital services, Saudi Ministry of Health
