Homing in on cancer

A new generation of radiotherapy machines, shows up tumours in 3D, and allows more accurate targeting of radioactive rays

Vietnamese An Dung Truong, 44, did not expect his loud snoring to be a symptom of nasal cancer.

The famous restauranteur in Ho Chi Minh City had only visited a ear nose throat (ENT) specialist after repeated urging by his wife. But a computed tomography later, a tumour was found behind his nasal cavity.

Shocked and eager for good medical care, Mr. Truong immediately packed his bags for Singapore.

His worst fears were confirmed when ENT specialist Dr Ronald Brett of Mount Elizabeth Hospital found cancerous cell in a biopsy of his tumour. Mr. Truong’s world collapsed.

“When the doctors told me I had nasal cancer, life felt meaningless,” said the father of two. “I thought that having cancer meant a dead end.”

It was radiologist Dr Lee Kim Shang who gave Mr. Truong hope and calmed him down. The veteran radiologist explained how medical technology has given cancer patients a second chance at life.

For two months, Mr. Truong then sought medical treatment in Singapore, alternating between chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He went through four cycles of chemotherapy – each time, his tumour shrank.

Though he was away from home, there was never a dark moment during treatment as his wife stayed by his side, cheering him on. The good care of the Parkway doctors and nurses also lifted his spirits.

However, it was a new generation of radiotherapy machine – TomoTherapy, which made his recovery sooner than expected.

TomoTherapy uses 3D image to determine the exact tumour position so that radioactive rays can be accurately directed at the target.

Mr. Truong only had to go through several minutes of therapy a day and the only side effect he felt was a dry mouth. After six months of TomoTherapy, Mr. Truong’s tumour has now completely disappeared. Now, he only needs to return to Singapore for a regular check every two months.

Though the cancer has limited the activities Mr. Truong can participate in, he is now able to resume working on his restaurant business.

With the disease, Mr. Truong has also learnt how valuable life is.

He said: “Life is more beautiful now than before, I just pray that the cancer is completely cured so that I can enjoy this wonderful life.”