Daijiworld Media Network – Johannesburg
Johannesburg, Feb 3: Advances in cancer treatment and diagnostics are reshaping patient care, bringing hope to many battling the disease. At a recent roundtable event in Rosebank, Johannesburg, experts highlighted cutting-edge technologies such as PET-CT, SPECT-CT, nuclear medicine, and AI-driven adaptive radiotherapy, all contributing to improved cancer detection, treatment, and outcomes.
The event, aligning with the Union for International Cancer Control’s World Cancer Day theme ‘United by Unique,’ emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to cancer care. Dr Holger Wellmann, oncology lead at Life Healthcare, discussed the global shift towards patient-centric models that focus on coordinated care throughout treatment, enhancing both patient experience and clinical outcomes.
As cancer cases rise globally, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022 according to the World Health Organization, the need for lifestyle changes, early detection, and innovative healthcare solutions is more urgent than ever. The integrated care model, including the concept of Integrated Practice Units (IPUs), is gaining traction. These multidisciplinary teams focus on specific cancer types, improving outcomes and reducing costs.
Experts also discussed the role of nuclear medicine in diagnostics, with Dr Bruce Young highlighting the advantages of PET-CT scans in visualizing cellular activity, despite South Africa’s slower adoption of this technology compared to international standards.
AI advancements, particularly in adaptive radiotherapy, were also a focal point. Sakhele Shiba, a medical physicist, shared insights on the Ethos™ AI adaptive radiotherapy system at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital, which personalizes radiotherapy treatment based on real-time anatomical changes, significantly improving treatment precision and patient outcomes.
This collaborative and innovative approach is poised to transform cancer care, making it more personalized, efficient, and focused on the holistic well-being of patients.