Ha Tinh Province Hospital Achieves 70% Remission Rate with Advanced Radiation Therapy
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A new era in cancer care has dawned in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam, with the region’s state-of-the-art radiation therapy center demonstrating a remarkable 70% complete remission rate among patients treated. The center, slated for official opening in early 2025, is poised to become the leading medical institution in the area, offering hope and advanced treatment options to cancer patients previously forced to travel long distances for care.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment in Ha Tinh Province
The newly established Advanced Radiation Therapy Center at Ha Tinh Province General Hospital represents a significant investment in regional healthcare infrastructure. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly skilled medical professionals, the center is already making a tangible difference in the lives of patients. Since beginning operations, the unit has delivered over 4,000 radiation treatments to more than 200 cancer patients.
The impact extends beyond immediate patient care. The center’s presence is alleviating the strain on larger, upstream hospitals, reducing patient transfer rates, and ultimately saving families both time and money.
Patient Stories: From Anxiety to Remission
The success of the center is powerfully illustrated through the experiences of its patients. One patient, identified as NVC, a 43-year-old resident of Kam Thuyen commune, faced a daunting diagnosis of pharyngeal and esophageal cancer. Initially transferred to Seongrip General Hospital, NVC underwent a treatment plan involving gastrostomy and 35 sessions of radiation therapy. Remarkably, subsequent scans revealed complete disappearance of both tumor lesions.
“In the past, for treatment I had to go all the way to Hanoi, the treatment and living expenses were extremely burdensome,” NVC shared, expressing profound relief at being able to receive care locally. “However, now I can conveniently receive treatment here in the local area and receive careful care from doctors. After several rounds of radiation treatment, I learned that the tumor was completely gone and that I no longer needed treatment, just regular check-ups and health monitoring.” His family, he said, “shed tears of joy” upon receiving the news.
Another compelling case involved NTT, a 63-year-old from Tachike commune diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2022. NTT’s case was complicated by pre-existing conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Initially hesitant due to concerns about treatment complications, NTT was later admitted to Seongrip General Hospital with severe epistaxis and a growing, invasive tumor.
Facing a life-threatening situation, the oncology and nuclear medicine team opted for high-intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a precise technique designed to control bleeding and ensure patient safety. After just one month of treatment, the tumor responded positively, bleeding was controlled, and NTT’s health began to stabilize.
Defining Complete Remission and Expanding Treatment Capabilities
According to Dr. Le Van Cuong, a specialist in oncology and nuclear medicine at Ha Tinh Province General Hospital, complete remission is defined as the complete disappearance of all target lesions, or a reduction in size to less than 10 mm. He noted that high complete remission rates have been observed across a range of cancers, including nasopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, rectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancers.
Dr. Cuong emphasized the importance of continued health monitoring for patients achieving complete remission, advising immediate medical attention for any abnormal symptoms.
A Promising Future for Cancer Care in the Region
The approximately 70% complete remission rate achieved at the Ha Tinh Province General Hospital’s radiation therapy center is a significant accomplishment, particularly given the challenges inherent in provincial-level cancer treatment. This success not only instills confidence in patients and their families but also validates the investment in advanced medical technology.
The hospital is committed to continuous improvement, with plans to further enhance its expertise and acquire additional modern technologies to better serve the medical needs of the province and surrounding areas. This commitment promises a brighter future for cancer care in Ha Tinh Province, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
