One of the most distressing news patients can get, is that their child has cancer. This is the reality that about 150 families in Singapore live with each year. In an article by Singhealth, it is mentioned that there are around 150 new cases of cancer diagnosed in children annually in Singapore. Perhaps surprisingly, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children in Singapore. With the availability now of 3 Proton Beam therapy facilities locally, for treatment of certain types of childhood cancer, Singapore now has new hope for parents.
Common Types Of Childhood Cancer (Singapore) Vs Adult Cancers
Adults are more likely to suffer cancers such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer. These are uncommon in children. Infants and toddlers are affected more frequently by tumours in organs that are still growing (e.g. brain, kidney, liver, nervous system). On the other hand, for older children or adolescents, tumours in the bones and muscles are more prevalent.
Common forms of childhood cancers include leukaemia, brain cancer and lymphoma. Other common childhood cancers include eye cancer, kidney cancer, adrenal cancer, bone cancer, and germ cell cancer.
Childhood cancers mostly occur randomly and are typically not inherited from the parents.
Treatment Of Childhood Cancers
Treatment of childhood cancers may comprise some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
With advances in medical technology, overall survival outcomes in children with leukaemia and lymphoma (blood cancers) are high (about 80%). However, cancers of the brain and solid tumours remain be more difficult to treat successfully and can have poor survival rates.
Long-Term Side Effects Of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy (also known as radiation therapy) is one of the main techniques for treating cancer. It does so by killing cancer cells and shrinking tumours using high doses of radiation. Unfortunately, radiotherapy affects normal cells in addition to cancer cells. Children’s bodies are usually more sensitive to the effects of radiation than adults, and some organs in particular are more likely to be affected by radiation. While most side effects may disappear a short while after treatment, some serious problems, called late side effects, may only show years after treatment.
Possible late side effects affecting children who have undergone radiotherapy treatment include:
- Developmental problems resulting from treatment for brain cancer. These may impact the child’s growth physically and mentally.
- Infertility may result from focused treatment in the groin region. The testicles and ovaries in young children can be affected, thereby reducing future fertility
- Second cancers later in life may develop, depending on where radiotherapy is applied.
Proton Beam Therapy For Treatment Of Childhood Cancer In Singapore – Reducing Side And Long Term Effects
Do as much as possible for the patient, and as little as possible to the patient.
Dr Bernard Lown
Proton Beam therapy for cancer treatment in Singapore started in 2023. This is an advanced form of radiotherapy. Compared to conventional radiotherapy that uses X-rays, proton beams deliver radiation with less entry dose and no exit dose. As a result, surrounding organs and healthy tissues are spared, especially those sited directly behind the tumour. Proton beams are also more precise compared to X-rays, which allows for safe delivery of higher doses of radiation to tumours.
Childhood cancers are included by the Ministry of Health as some of the approved uses for Proton Beam therapy in Singapore. The advantages of Proton Beam therapy for treatment of cancer in children include:
- Proton Beam therapy, being more precise, may make it possible to treat certain cancers that are located too near growing tissues in the brain, eyes, ears, mouth and spinal cord.
- The ability to focus the radiation more precisely into the tumour helps to spare healthy cells, thereby limiting the possible damage to developing children and limiting potential shorter and longer term side effects.
Average Proton Therapy Cost in Singapore
Treatment costs vary based on individual cases. In Singapore, proton therapy may cost around S$100,000 for about 30 treatments. It is essential to consult with medical professionals to get a personalised estimate based on your unique circumstances.
MediShield Life And MediSave For Proton Therapy In Singapore
MediShield Life and MediSave support may be used for proton therapy in Singapore. This article highlights the latest information from the Ministry Of Health (extracted 3 Jan 2024) on MediShield Life claim and MediSave withdrawal limits for Approved Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Indications.
Where To Get Proton Beam Therapy In Singapore
Health365 is in partnership with Proton Therapy SG, one of only three centres that offers proton beam therapy in Singapore. Proton Therapy SG has a Varian ProBeam™ proton therapy gantry. Their ProBeam™ system is the only proton therapy system in Singapore which can eventually be upgraded to deliver clinically applicable FLASH proton therapy.
Contact us today for an appointment at Proton Therapy SG to explore how proton beam therapy can be an option in your child’s cancer treatment journey.
Other Proton Therapy Facilities In Singapore That You May Consider
- National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) – Public Hospital
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Novena) – Private Hospital
Learn More About Proton Beam Therapy
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
