The two main treatments available at Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (THKD) are systemic therapy and radiation therapy. You will receive treatment depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people may receive only one treatment or combination treatments.
Systemic therapy refers to treatment using substances or drugs that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and targeting cancer cells all over the body. Systemic therapy includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and supportive treatment.
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing (control). In Day Care, chemotherapy drugs are either given orally or intravenously. The drugs are administered in cycles, depending on the regimens determined by the oncologist.
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets proteins that control how cancer cells grow, divide and spread. A patient will need to be tested (usually through biopsy or surgery) to determine the target cell types for more precise or personalised treatment.
Immunotherapy uses our immune system to fight cancer. It works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. A patient can have immunotherapy on its own or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy.
Also known as hormonal therapy or endocrine therapy. Hormonal therapy uses medicine that regulates the hormones in your body to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Sometimes a patient may develop complications due to the drugs or treatment. Therefore, supportive therapy such as blood transfusion, bisphosphonate, anti-vomiting medicine needs to be given to help the patient to complete the treatment safely or control the disease. A patient may also be prescribed with Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) during chemotherapy treatment to encourage the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. This can help to reduce the chances of getting an infection.
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
At high doses, radiation therapy kills cancer cells or slows their growth by damaging their DNA. Cancer cells whose DNA is damaged beyond repair stop dividing or die. When the damaged cells die, they are broken down and removed by the body.
Radiation therapy does not kill cancer cells right away. It takes days or weeks of treatment before DNA is damaged enough for cancer cells to die. Then, cancer cells keep dying for weeks or months after radiation therapy ends.
What radiotherapy services do we provide?
Our services include CT simulation and various radiation treatments. Our centre is equipped with the state-of-the-art linear accelerator (LINAC) which is equipped with surface image guided system (SIGRT). It treats all kinds of cancers.
How can a patient receive radiotherapy?
A patient must first consult with an oncologist within a hospital. During the discussion, the oncologist will advise the best treatment plan, including radiotherapy, according to the patient’s cancer diagnosis.
What is the preparation before radiotherapy?
Our dedicated staff will advise the patient in steps, aiming to limit interruption to the patient’s routine. This can be done through a phone call or in person. A patient may also discuss with our coordinator should there be any specific requests throughout the treatment.
Is there any discomfort after radiotherapy? Will the patient be able to drive oneself after the treatment?
The patient should not feel any discomfort during and after the treatment delivery. It’s often not a problem to drive before or right after the treatment.
For some patients, radiation therapy may be the only treatment they need. But, most often, a patient will have radiation therapy with other cancer treatments, such as:
Radiation therapy may be given before, during or after these treatments to improve the chances that the treatment will work. The timing of when radiation therapy is given depends on the type of cancer being treated and whether the goal is to treat the cancer or ease symptoms.
When radiation is combined with surgery, it can be given:
As well as killing cancer cells, radiotherapy can damage some healthy cells in the area being treated. This can cause some side effects, such as:
Many of these side effects can be treated or prevented and most will pass after treatment stops. EBRT does not make you radioactive, as the radiation passes through your body.
What nuclear medicine services does THKD provide?
Our services include PETCT, SPECT and various nuclear medicine therapies. Our facilities and team aim to help you achieve early diagnosis and treatment for cancer, cardiac and neurological diseases.
What time is the earliest or latest slot for the scan?
Our service runs from 9am to 5pm. Depending on the modality, the patient may start the procedure as early as 9:15am. We will get the machine ready before 9am for you.
Is there any preparation before the procedure?
Yes, pre-preparation education will be provided, usually one or two days before the appointment. The call will last for 15 to 20 minutes. A member of our team will call you via WhatsApp (RT & NM 018-2111588) call. Remember to pick up the phone.
How long will the report take to be ready?
Standard reporting takes 48 hours. Talk to us if you need your report urgently.
What is the cost for the procedure?
Normal rates are published along with other services in our service catalogue. Self-paying or insurance patients can enjoy special rates from time to time.
If you have enquiries about Oncology & Nuclear Medicine, you can contact us at:
Radiotherapy,
Block C, Lower Ground floor
Tel No.: +603-6148 7235 / 7241
Oncology Clinic/ Oncology Daycare,
Block C, Ground floor,
Tel No.: +603-6148 7250 / 7246
Nuclear Medicine
Block C, Lower Ground floor,
Tel No.: +603-6148 7236 / 7092
Our Operating Hours
Radiotherapy
Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday and Public Holiday: Closed
Oncology Daycare
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday: 8am – 12pm
Sunday and Public Holiday: Closed
Nuclear Medicine
Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday and Public Holiday: Closed
Emergency Hotline (after office hours): +603-6287 1999
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