Latest news with #MagneticResonanceImaging
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Stem Cell Therapy Helps Osteoarthritis Patient Regain Mobility
A knee injury that ended his amateur football career in 2003 is believed to have triggered the early onset of secondary osteoarthritis (OA) for Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin, who began experiencing debilitating symptoms at a very early age of just 35 years old. Although he was still able to walk and perform his daily routines, he had to stop participating in sports to avoid worsening his knee condition. 'I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) while playing football. I underwent surgery, but not long after, it tore again — and this time, the damage was worse, involving the cartilage and bone as well. Since then, my knee has never fully recovered,' said the oil and gas engineer when interviewed by Bernama recently. Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin's knee condition, which was often swollen and painful, became more serious, and finally in 2020 an MRI showed that his knee cartilage was severely worn, which is a symptom of early stage OA. His knee condition, often swollen and painful, worsened over time, and in 2020 an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan revealed severe cartilage wear — an early symptom of OA. 'I was only 35 then, but the doctor said my knees were like those of a 50-year-old. I was really down. Sometimes I had to pray while sitting on a chair. The sports I loved had turned into a nightmare,' he shared. After nearly two decades of suffering, a consultation with orthopaedic consultant Prof Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham Md Yusoff from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in early 2022, changed Khairul Ikram's life. He is now 40 years old. A COMMON PROBLEM, LIMITED TREATMENT Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease commonly seen in the elderly and better known as primary osteoarthritis, but if it is caused by some intrinsic knee injury such as cartilage damage or meniscal tear or even as a result of an unstable knee, it is referred as secondary osteoarthritis, where it is commonly and increasingly affecting physically active younger individuals aged 35 and above. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 250 million people worldwide have OA, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. In Malaysia, local studies show that up to nearly 20 per cent or 1 in 5 individuals aged 50 and above suffer from knee OA. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, it is estimated that 33 million individuals aged 30–44 years experience knee osteoarthritis problems. Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that often occurs in the elderly, but is now becoming increasingly prevalent among younger people. Photo credit Contributing factors include obesity, sports injuries, genetic history, and overuse of joints. Common treatments include painkillers, physiotherapy, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and in chronic cases, joint replacement surgery. However, for younger patients who are still active and not ready for knee replacement surgery, effective treatment options are limited. This is because there are many factors that may hinder individuals under the age of 50 if they undergo knee replacement surgery—among them, the inability to sit cross-legged, sit on the floor, and for Muslims, the need to perform prayers while seated on a chair. Most concerning is the likelihood of requiring a second surgery after 15 years to replace the artificial joint due to wear and tear from intensive use. All of this makes knee replacement surgery a less attractive option for most knee OA sufferers. This has led to the emergence of regenerative treatments such as stem cell therapy, pioneered by Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. In 2016, the UKM medical faculty researcher and professor began exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cords for orthopaedic conditions, particularly knee OA. 'Stem cells have great potential to stimulate the regeneration of damaged cartilage, thereby helping to restore joint function without the need for invasive joint replacement surgery,' he said in an interview with Bernama. A PROUD ACHIEVEMENT His research positioned UKM as the first institution in Malaysia to successfully conduct a clinical trial of regenerative treatment using mesenchymal stem cells on six patients, starting from 2016 to 2018, with very promising results. 'All patients involved in the clinical trial showed significant improvement, allowing them to return to normal lives. They no longer needed to rely on painkillers and were able to avoid joint replacement surgery,' said Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. He explained that the procedure involved surgery on the affected knee followed by a stem cell injection in the same area two weeks later. 'The recovery time usually depends on the severity of the injury. If it's very serious, then more time is needed to heal,' he said. This achievement marks a major milestone in regenerative medicine in Malaysia. The use of umbilical cord-derived stem cells offers a potential alternative to joint replacement for knee OA patients. This clinical trial was presented in the International Cartilage Repair Society Focus Meeting in Milan in 2018 and also published in Cytotherapy Journal by Elsevier, in May 2019. EARLY SUCCESS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL HCTM, as an academic hospital under UKM, plays a vital role in advancing stem cell treatment innovations to support the potential of health tourism, said Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. He added that this aligns with HCTM's mission to provide safe, evidence-based, and innovative treatments that meet international standards, while also aiming to establish a regional reference centre for regenerative medicine. Chief Executive Officer of KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd (KL Orthosports), Associate Professor Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham (fourth, left) and Director of Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd, Sasha Nordin (third, left)) pictured during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) Exchange Ceremony between KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd as well as the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network at the HCTM Complex. 'Through strategic collaborations with research institutions and the private sector, HCTM is committed to strengthening R&D capacity. Our vision is to be a leader in innovation-based healthcare services, especially in stem cell treatment, and to become a key destination for health tourism at both regional and global levels,' he explained. According to him, UKM's commitment is further reinforced through partnerships with KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics SdnBhd, particularly in regenerative medicine. In addition, the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network reflects efforts to raise public awareness and knowledge of stem cell therapy. The success of this clinical trial paved the way for broader access to stem cell treatment in Malaysia. However, to ensure its effectiveness and safety on a wider scale, factors such as treatment cost, regulatory approvals, and medical infrastructure must be addressed. 'With this success, we hope to provide access to more patients in need while continuing to monitor the research to ensure long-term outcomes,' he said. He also shared his vision to collaborate with eight public universities, including medical universities and Konsortium Hospital Universiti Awam Malaysia (KHUAM) to conduct multi-centre trials focusing on approximately 500 patients. 'Based on this collaboration, we believe that within less than five years, Malaysians — especially — will benefit from this stem cell treatment through this consortium of university hospitals or KHUAM,' he said. At the same time, he emphasised that while the treatment shows encouraging results for patients with mild to moderate OA, it is not a cure-all solution. 'While the treatment offers positive outcomes for many young patients, as in Khairul Ikram's case, we need to be careful in selecting suitable cases. Treatment success depends on the level of joint damage and the patient's commitment to physiotherapy and a healthy lifestyle post-treatment,' he explained. INNOVATION MUST CONTINUE According to Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham, HCTM is currently conducting more clinical studies to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the treatment across different levels of joint damage. 'This treatment has great potential, and we hope it can help more patients in the future to avoid more extensive and riskier surgeries,' he added. To him, stem cell therapy is one of the innovative branches of regenerative medicine that shows tremendous promise — not only in treating various chronic and degenerative diseases, but also as a catalyst for the growth of Malaysia's health tourism sector. 'Therefore, our main hope is that this treatment can establish Malaysia as a leading hub for stem cell therapy in Southeast Asia, attracting medical tourists from neighbouring and international countries seeking proven and evidence-based treatment at a very competitive costs,' he added. Advancements in stem cell technology are expected to further enhance Malaysia's reputation as a world-class healthcare provider, boosting investor and tourist confidence. Additionally, growth in this sector will directly contribute to the economy through increased medical tourism and indirectly via job creation and the strengthening of local research capacity. NEVER GIVE UP For Khairul Ikram, the treatment's success not only allowed him to return to sports, but also restored his long-lost spirit and self-confidence. 'Football is not just a hobby, it's part of my life. When I couldn't play, I was devastated. But after this treatment, I feel like I've been given a second chance, and I've never stopped being grateful,' he said. To those still suffering or yet to seek treatment, he offered this advice: 'Many people think knee pain is normal as you age. But if you're still young and active, and your knee starts hurting, know that it's an early warning sign. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of full recovery.'
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First Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: Lifestyle changes alone won't stop prostate cancer — here's what else is needed
Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men, has come under renewed focus amid rising cases globally and in India. Public figures like Joe Biden have brought attention to the disease, which often presents no early symptoms. Firstpost brings out an expert's opinion on various aspects of the disease. read more Illustration depicting a cross-section of the prostate gland affected by cancerous cells. It highlights the abnormal tissue growth and potential spread to surrounding areas, using color-coding to differentiate healthy and cancerous tissues. This is an AI-generated image. The recent revelation of former US President Joe Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis has once again brought the spotlight to one of the most common cancers affecting older men. While prostate cancer is often treatable, Biden's case highlights the complexities of diagnosis and the importance of timely screening, even for those who undergo regular health checkups. Experts now question whether warning signs might have been missed and whether current screening guidelines need to be re-evaluated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prostate cancer, which affects over 300,000 men annually in the US is no longer rare in India either. Rising incidence in younger age groups, especially men in their early 50s, signals a shift in disease patterns that warrants urgent attention. Firstpost spoke with Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director – Medical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital to discuss various aspects such as detection, awareness, prevention and management of prostate cancer. What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer develops when cells within the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. This small gland, located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, is responsible for producing seminal fluid. It's a common malignancy; it's estimated that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In India, the incidence rate is also on the rise, attributed to increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities. Early signs and symptoms In its initial stages, prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, making early detection challenging without screening. However, as the disease progresses, men may experience: *Frequent urination, particularly at night *Difficulty starting or stopping urination *Weak or interrupted urine flow *Painful urination or ejaculation *Blood in urine or semen *Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis Men must be aware of these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they arise. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests: PSA Test: The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor performs a DRE to manually examine the prostate gland through the rectal wall, checking for any abnormalities. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues, helping to pinpoint suspicious areas. Biopsy: If initial tests suggest cancer, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate for microscopic examination. Major risk factors Several factors can increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer: Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50. Genetics: A family history of prostate cancer, especially in close relatives, can elevate risk. Lifestyle: Diets rich in red meat and dairy products, along with obesity, may contribute to increased risk. Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is notably more common in African American men compared to men of other ethnicities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Progression and treatment options If untreated, prostate cancer can advance from a localized disease to an advanced stage, potentially spreading to nearby tissues and distant organs, leading to severe complications like bone pain and fractures. This underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. Treatment options vary based on the cancer's stage: Active Surveillance: For low-risk, localized cases, doctors might recommend monitoring without immediate intervention. Surgery: Radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue, is often recommended for localized cancer. Radiation Therapy: This method uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, either as a primary treatment or post-surgery. Hormone Therapy: This approach aims to lower male hormone levels that can fuel cancer growth, frequently used for advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy: For advanced cases, chemotherapy may be employed to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Recent advancements, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are also showing considerable promise in improving patient outcomes. Can it be cured? Prostate cancer can often be cured, particularly when caught early. Survival rates for localized prostate cancer are very high, with nearly 100% of men surviving five years after diagnosis. However, survival rates decline for advanced stages, reinforcing the critical importance of early detection and timely treatment. Age and treatment decisions A patient's age significantly influences treatment decisions. Older individuals may have different health considerations, potentially leading to a choice for less aggressive treatments, while younger patients might opt for curative approaches. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable strategy for individual circumstances. Role of lifestyle in prevention and recurrence Lifestyle factors play a substantial role in both preventing prostate cancer and reducing its recurrence risk. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, combined with regular exercise and a healthy weight can help lower risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are vital preventive measures. Importance of early detection Early detection is paramount for successful prostate cancer treatment outcomes. Men, especially those at higher risk due to age or family history, should be encouraged to discuss screening options with their healthcare providers. Regular screenings, including PSA tests and DREs, can help identify the disease in its most treatable stages.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
NIT Rourkela develops biosensor to detect breast cancer cells without expensive lab procedures
New Delhi: Researchers at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela have developed a novel semiconductor device-based biosensor that can identify breast cancer cells without the need for complicated or expensive laboratory procedures, according to officials. The developed biosensor does not require any added chemicals to work. It is highly effective in distinguishing the cancerous cells from the healthy breast cells, offering improved accuracy compared to the existing methods of biosensing devices for breast cancer diagnosis, they said. The research has been published in the prestigious Microsystem Technologies journal. According to Prasanna Kumar Sahu, Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, the rise of potentially fatal illnesses has drawn attention in recent years to the global emphasis on biomolecule evaluation and Point-of-Care (POC) testing. Among these diseases, cancer is a significant global public health concern. In this context, India has seen a significant rise in breast cancer cases in the past few decades. "Since cancer cells often do not show any initial signs of progression, it is crucial to diagnose them at an early stage for prevention and cure. While several diagnostic procedures such as X-ray, mammography, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Test (ELISA), Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are used to identify the disease, they require specialised equipment and trained personnel. "Additionally, these diagnostic methods are often inaccessible to people in remote areas," Sahu said. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these challenges due to the relocation of medical resources, resulting in delayed cancer screenings and treatments, he said. "This underscores the urgent need for simpler, faster, and more affordable diagnostic tools that do not rely on complex infrastructure," Sahu added. The NIT team has designed a novel approach that uses the physical properties of cancer cells to detect them. Cancerous breast tissues, which hold more water and are denser than healthy tissues, interact differently with microwave radiation. These differences, known as dielectric properties, make it possible to distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells. The research team has proposed an electronic device, Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET), based on TCAD simulation results that can effectively detect breast cancer cells. FETs are commonly used in electronics but here they have been adapted to function as a sensitive detector of biological materials. Unlike many traditional tests, this biosensor does not need any added chemicals or labels to work. "A small cavity is etched into the transistor under the gate area and an equivalent material of biological sample of cells is placed in the cavity to check the sensitivities of the device. The sensor then reads changes in electrical signals based on the properties of the sample, essentially 'sensing' whether the cells are cancerous or healthy. "Because cancer cells like T47D have a higher dielectric constant than healthy ones like MCF-10A, the sensor picks up these differences quickly and with high precision," Sahu said. The findings show that the sensor is sensitive in detecting T47D cancer cells due to their high density and permittivity. It is also highly effective in distinguishing cancerous cells from healthy breast cells, offering improved sensitivity compared to existing technologies. Another key feature of the developed technology is its affordability. "TFET-based biosensor is affordable compared to the conventional testing methods and other existing FET-based biosensors. The developed technology holds significant promise for future medical applications, resulting in low-cost and easy-to-use diagnostic devices that bring early breast cancer detection to clinics, mobile testing units and home settings," said Priyanka Karmakar, research scholar. As the next step, the research team is exploring potential collaborations for fabrication and scientific validation of the developed technology.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
SPM student left bedridden by brain tumour, says heartbroken mother
ALOR STAR: Mia Orked Lestary Mohd Yusaidil Fitra is supposed to be attending school to prepare for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations later this year. However, the eldest child of four and a bright student who was actively playing netball and enjoyed mountain climbing, is now left bedridden due to a brain tumour. "I've cried my heart out seeing the condition of my daughter in a coma. She used to be healthy and cheerful," said her mother, Suhaily Karno, 42, in tears. Mia began experiencing hearing problems, unstable walking, and frequent shivering since last October, she said. After several visits to the Tualang Health Clinic, the doctor referred her to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) due to recurring symptoms. "After taking samples and undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, my daughter was confirmed to have brain tumours on both the left and right sides of her brain," she said in an interview at their home in Kampung Banggol Chengal, Telaga Mas. Suhaily said her daughter's condition deteriorated, and she underwent eight surgeries between October and the latest one on May 14. She said six of the procedures involved inserting tubes to remove excess fluid from her head, while the other two involved spinal surgery and the removal of pus from her abdomen. "She was supposed to sit for her SPM, but now she can't move, and only shows signs of discomfort by moving her legs or fingers. "When we call her name, only her pupils move. Since her eyes remain open constantly, I have to use tape to help her sleep," she said. She added that she is currently unemployed to provide full care for Mia, while her husband, Mohd Yusaidil Fitra Mat Isa, 43, does odd jobs. The couple have three other children, aged between six and 14. "My daughter needs to see specialists at HSB between five to six times a week. We have to use an ambulance to transport her to the hospital because it is difficult to lift her into a car," she said. She added that Mia is fully dependent on a special formula milk, with one small can costing RM50, lasting only a day, administered via a feeding tube. "I have no choice but to use whatever money we have to buy the milk, even though it's expensive. It's the only nutrition recommended by the doctor for her energy. She also requires disposable diapers," she said. Suhaily said Mia is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the tumour on the right side of her brain on Aug 17. Meanwhile, Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM), chairman Zuraini Kamal, who visited the family, donated an air mattress, a phlegm suction machine, cash, and groceries to ease their burden.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Govt. hospital in Tiruchi to get PET scan centre soon
The installation of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan will begin within three months at the superspeciality block of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi, authorities said on Monday. 'We have got the approval from the Directorate of Medical Education and Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation to lay the groundwork for the PET scan centre. This is part of our effort to develop a full-fledged oncology block that will serve patients more effectively,' a senior official at the hospital said. He told The Hindu that ₹140 crore had been sought under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). Staff for the PET scan centre, including medical and radiation oncologists, would be deputed from other institutions. 'The diagnostic equipment need space and radiation safety, so we will begin planning the civil works accordingly within a few weeks,' said the official. 'At present, MGMGH sees approximately 1,500 in-patients every month (both for screening and with the disease). In terms of surgical performance, there are roughly 25 to 30 major surgeries and 40 to 50 minor procedures performed each month. Last year, 404 cancer surgeries were carried out while 326 patients received radiotherapy treatment,' said the official. Lack of facilities Sources said every month, 60 to 70 cases from MGMGH are referred for radiotherapy and chemotherapy to Thanjavur Medical College and other centres like Madurai. 'Those needing and undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer are already prone to infection. Besides this, patients' attenders tend to lose their earnings during travel to these centres. This has made it imperative for Tiruchi GH to develop its own full-fledged oncology block,' said the official. Free cancer screening camps were launched in Tiruchi district's health centres last week, for people aged above 18. The camps will be testing for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer with the aim of raising awareness about treatment and rehabilitation of survivors. 'The camps have created a new momentum in improving cancer care. MGMGH will be aligning with the district health authorities in providing solutions after the screening. Though PET scans are available through Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme in private centres, the common man, especially people from economically weaker sections of society, would prefer to reach out to a public healthcare facility for such crucial tests,' said the official. 'We are extending the working hours of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan centre, so that results can be shared with the patient within three days, rather than 10,' he added. A site behind the ESI Hospital is being considered for the proposed oncology block at MGMGH.
