Phu Tho opens high-tech radiation therapy center

Cancer patients in Phu Tho and neighboring provinces can now access advanced radiation therapy locally, eliminating the need to travel to central hospitals.

On 6/9, Dr. Hoang Cong Lam, Director of Viet Duc General Hospital, announced the opening of a new high-tech radiation therapy center. This center will alleviate pressure on central hospitals and improve the quality of cancer treatment for local patients. Dr. Lam emphasized the center's multi-modal treatment approach, combining advanced technology with personalized care to maximize disease control, minimize side effects, and improve survival rates.

Multi-modal treatment involves combining various therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, to address a single disease. Phu Tho, with a population of over 4 million, has only two to three medical facilities equipped with radiation therapy machines.

In addition to a 3.0 Tesla MRI system integrated with laser simulation, the hospital has deployed Varian's (USA) Halcyon HyperSight 4.0 radiation therapy system. This next-generation linear accelerator offers fast, safe, and comprehensive support for advanced techniques, effectively treating various common cancers, including breast, lung, liver, head and neck, and pelvic cancers. "Each treatment session takes only one to three minutes, compared to five to 10 minutes with conventional systems, reducing patient wait times," a hospital representative stated.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen speaks at the event. Photo: *Nhu Y*

At the event, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen reported that in 2022, Vietnam recorded over 182,000 new cancer cases and 115,000 cancer-related deaths. With the rising incidence of cancer and increasing demand for treatment, the shortage of radiation therapy equipment poses a significant challenge to the healthcare system. Currently, the country has only 85 facilities, meeting less than 70% of patient needs.

This shortage creates severe overcrowding in central hospitals, forcing patients to endure long waits, sometimes up to 10 hours, and face difficulties traveling long distances for treatment. To meet the World Health Organization's recommended minimum and the government's target of one radiation therapy machine per million people, Vietnam needs to invest in at least 35 to 40 new systems. This deficit not only reduces patients' access to effective treatment but also puts immense strain on the healthcare system.

Deputy Minister Tuyen highlighted the benefits of high-tech radiation therapy, which allows for precise targeting of deep-seated tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This minimizes side effects and enhances treatment outcomes through personalized treatment plans.