PPUSMB First In Southeast Asia To Use IQM System For Cancer Radiotherapy

By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusof

KEPALA BATAS, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- The Universiti Sains Malaysia Bertam Medical Centre (PPUSMB) has become the first in Southeast Asia to introduce and utilise the Integral Quality Monitor (IQM) system, an advanced technology that enhances precision and safety in radiotherapy for cancer patients.

PPUSMB Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Surgical Brachytherapy specialist, Associate Prof Dr Muhamad Yusri Musa, said the system improves quality assurance in radiation therapy by ensuring accurate targeting of cancer cells while minimising exposure to healthy tissues.

"IQM is a state-of-the-art monitoring system that enhances treatment safety by delivering radiation with high precision, focusing solely on malignant cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissues," he said.

He added that the system enables real-time monitoring of radiation accuracy throughout treatment.

"As the radiation dose is administered, IQM continuously verifies its precision, ensuring optimal delivery. This improves treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects for patients," he said.

Dr Muhamad Yusri said the system was installed at PPUSMB's radiotherapy facility in December, with five patients already receiving treatment using the new technology. More patients are expected to benefit from it in the future.

He explained that IQM features a specially designed detector that provides instant verification of radiation delivery and conducts real-time safety checks during treatment.

"IQM is a game-changer in cancer treatment, continuously monitoring radiation dose accuracy to minimise risks and ensure precise delivery as planned by radiation oncologists and medical physicists," he said.

According to Dr Muhamad Yusri, each patient undergoes 32 to 35 radiotherapy sessions with IQM, each lasting 30 minutes and conducted twice a day.

Patients have shown positive progress as the radiation is delivered with high precision.

"IQM functions like a ‘sniper,’ targeting only cancer cells while leaving healthy tissues unaffected. This precision is crucial in preventing unintended damage to sensitive areas, such as the eyes, which could lead to blindness," he said.

He expressed hope that IQM will enable PPUSMB to expand its capacity to treat more cancer patients, aligning with its vision to become a leading cancer referral centre in the northern region and a key hub for oncology education and training.

Meanwhile, PPUSMB’s Head of Medical Physics, Nursyatina Abdul Raof, who led the radiotherapy system upgrade, said the technology allows for automatic safety checks, eliminating the need for manual verification by medical physicists.

"This automation allows medical physicists to focus on treatment planning while streamlining the process for faster and more efficient patient care," she said.

She added that the IQM system will also advance medical physics and radiation oncology research by exploring new ways to optimise the safety and effectiveness of radiotherapy treatment.

-- BERNAMA