Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Director of K Hospital said that to meet the increasing needs for treatment from patients and improve the quality of cancer treatment, K Hospital has invested in a multi-level accelerator - the Elekta Infinity Radiometer from the UK - one of the most modern radiometric machines in Vietnam.
It includes a system of synchronous equipment including MV iViewGT and KVXVI image acquisition systems, MONACO radiotherapy planning software; MOSAIQ patient information management software and IMRT dosing system: 2DmatriXX Evolution.
With this system, the technology it offers is capable of performing 2D and 3D radiotherapy in detecting the shape of tumors, and in particular dose-modulated radiation therapy with multileaf collimator (MLC) design, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and radiotherapy under visual guidance.
These are radiotherapy techniques from simple 2D, 3D methods to more complicated techniques using IMRT, VMAT, IGRT that are being applied in the world today. The radiotherapy procedure is in accordance with recommendations from US and European radiation therapy associations, ensuring safety and accuracy in treatment for patients.
Notably, the implementation of advanced technologies can be widely applied in the treatment of various cancers, such as arch and oral cavity, oral throat, esophagus, breast, cervix, prostate and lung, providing the highest effectiveness and quality for treatment.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thuan added that with approval from the Ministry of Health, K Hospital has decided to invest in the form of privatisation to acquire a PET-CT system, one of the most modern and advanced technologies in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially thanks to its ability to detect cancer at very early stages.
PET-CT is capable of detecting abnormalities and abnormal changes in the body at very early stages (molecular levels), especially the formation, growth and metastasis of tumors.
Results obtained using PET-CT technology will help to improve the quality of cancer diagnosis and treatment; categorise cancer, and help detect and evaluate relapse and metastatic cancer, while assisting doctors to select the optimal regimen to ensure the highest therapeutic effect for patients.
With the addition of this device it will also help shorten the length of screening; the patient can be examined, treated and returned home within a day; at the same time this is also a basis for training for hospitals at local levels in the near future.
According to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien, like many countries in the world, the number of people with cancer in Vietnam is on the rise, from 68,000 in 2000 up to 126,000 in 2010 and is expected to exceed 190,000 by 2020.
Notably, Vietnam records about 94,000 deaths from cancer each year. Most people with cancer only receive examination and treatment while in the late stages, making the treatment more difficult and expensive.
To deal with the situation, in 2015, the Prime Minister approved the National Strategy on cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma and non-communicable diseases during 2015-2025.
The above scheme targets by 2025 to have 70% of adults comprehend the impacts of cancer; 40% of people with certain cancers diagnosed at early stages; 20% reduction in cancer mortality before age 70 (compared to 2015); and 90% of preventive medicine facilities able to provide essential services for disease prevention according to regulations.
