KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Group's Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) has launched an innovative radiation treatment for its patients in early stages of cancer.

The treatment, known as Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT), was launched over the weekend at a one-day Symposium held here.

IORT is a cutting-edge treatment which allows targeted effectiveness in the removal of cancer tumours, such as in the spine, breast, and brain.

SJMC said this means that during surgery, radiation is administered directly and precisely to the tumour bed, without causing damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

This is done by delivering a concentrated dose of radiation therapy directly to the tissue surrounding the cancer as a single dose at the time of surgery.

Side effects and radiation treatment times required can also be reduced with this technology, compared to conventional radiation treatment.

“At SJMC, we continuously strive to meet the needs of our cancer patients. The launch of the IORT provides our patients the latest option in cutting edge treatment”, said hospital chief executive officer of SJMC Dr Vasuhi Murugiah in a statement.

“We believe that it is of utmost importance to provide good evidence-based innovative care leading to good clinical outcomes while ensuring that the patient remains the centre of our service,” he added.