IHH Healthcare Leads Asia In Upright Photon Therapy Consortium

IHH Healthcare has joined the Upright Photon Alliance, a pioneering international research consortium formed by Leo Cancer Care, to explore a novel form of photon radiation treatment for cancer patients. This collaboration includes esteemed healthcare institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Cone Health, OncoRay, and Centre Léon Bérard, making IHH the first in Asia to participate in this significant initiative.

Dr Prem Kumar Nair, Group Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare, emphasised the importance of the Alliance, stating it represents a pivotal step forward in healthcare innovation and clinical excellence. He remarked, “Together, we have the power to transform radiation therapy, offering better cancer care and improved outcomes for our patients.” IHH’s commitment to prioritising patient needs and enhancing community care remains at the forefront of their mission, encapsulated in their slogan, “Care. For Good.”

Elizabeth Han, Group Head of Innovation and Transformation at IHH Healthcare, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Alliance’s role in transforming patient care through innovation. She noted that this new approach to photon radiation treatment signifies a groundbreaking advancement in cancer care, benefiting patients across IHH’s markets. Being the only healthcare provider in Asia to join this Alliance places IHH in a leading position to enhance patient care and accessibility.

Stephen Towe, Chief Executive Officer of Leo Cancer Care, underscored the significance of the Upright Photon Alliance in challenging the fundamentals of modern treatment delivery. He stated, “The Upright Photon Alliance is breaking down barriers of access to high-quality radiation therapy,” with a vision to extend the benefits of upright treatment to patients globally. Towe expressed excitement over the diverse expertise and global reach of the partners involved, united in their mission to deliver innovative cancer care solutions.

The introduction of upright photon therapy promises faster pre-treatment setup and a more natural treatment experience for patients compared to conventional photon therapy. This development aligns with IHH’s commitment to delivering quality care and clinical excellence through cutting-edge innovation. Notably, IHH has already established its leadership in cancer treatments, being the first private healthcare provider in the region to offer proton therapy in 2023, as well as the first in South Asia to provide Gamma Knife Esprit treatment for brain tumours this year.

The formation of the Upright Photon Alliance was announced at the annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) held in Washington D.C., USA, on 29 September. Through this collaboration, IHH Healthcare is poised to play a crucial role in advancing patient care and treatment outcomes in the field of oncology, setting a precedent for the future of cancer treatment in Asia.