cially for patients in Asia . Prior to this , most characterised genomes ( the sum of an organism ’ s DNA ) used in breast cancer research were from Caucasian women with less than 5 % Asians .
This collaborative effort led to mapping the genomes of 1,000 breast cancer patients . As a result , Asian representation in genomic studies has now increased exponentially . Asians had only made up 2 % of breast cancer genomic research in 2015 . By the end of 2020 , Malaysians accounted for nearly 20 % of total breast genomic maps that have been published globally so far , with Korea and China at 13 %.
The role of genetics and genomics is crucial in cancer care , especially in complex cases . For example , breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease , which means there are many types that cannot be diagnosed just by looking under a microscope . This is where genetics and genomics come in to help analyse the genome or DNA of cancer cells and determine what has gone wrong . Even though some cancers may look the same under a microscope , they are different in the genomes , and this helps doctors decide on the best targeted treatments and interventions .
Genomic information enables doctors to be more precise in diagnosis , as well as choosing the right treatment for the right patient . The study published in the Nature Communications science journal was a collaboration between Professor Dr Pathmanathan Rajadurai and Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Yip Cheng Har from SJMC , Cancer Research Malaysia and Professor Carlos Caldas and Dr Suet-Feung Chin from the University of Cambridge Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute .
SJMC will continuously embark on clinical research and publish more papers to play an active role in advancing this field of medicine with the advent of technology and personalised care .
Patient-Centric Robotic Rehabilitation The rehabilitation centre at SJMC is considered to be one of the most comprehensive when it comes to private hospitals in Malaysia — covering a range of services which include physiotherapy , occupational therapy and speech therapy . While most hospitals consider speech therapy as a standalone service , SJMC recognises that it ’ s an integral part of rehabilitation , especially when it comes to stroke patients who need to regain more than just their physical strength and motor skills .
“ Since rehabilitation is all about helping patients restore their ability to conduct daily tasks , putting these three modes of therapy under the same roof means our therapists are able to provide a more holistic environment for our patients ’ rehabilitation ,” said Eliza Basir , Senior Manager of Pharmacy , Rehabilitative & Diagnostic Services .
Since expanding their robotic rehabilitation services in mid-2020 , this is the second year running that SJMC has been awarded the GlobalHealth Award for Robotic Rehabilitation Service Provider of the Year .
The availability of robotic tools and cutting-edge techniques , alongside a dedicated interdisciplinary team of physiotherapists , occupational therapists and speech therapists who are led by rehabilitation medicine physicians offer comprehensive and coordinated rehabilitation programs for patients ranging from children to adults .
SJMC believes that the patient plays a pivotal role when it comes to their own recovery process and is empowered to take charge with the support of the therapists . The robotic rehabilitation devices available in the hospital are carefully sourced to reflect this . For example with the Keeogo , a lowerlimb robotic rehabilitation device , the sensors at the hip and knee joints are made to detect user-initiated movements , and then the robotic system will work instinctively to support that movement and help the patient maintain stability . This is key , because the patients know that they are ultimately still in control of their movements , and the device supports them in succeeding with the movement intended .
Using such devices also allows SJMC ’ s trained physiotherapists to customise the settings according to the patient ’ s needs and capability . Throughout the rehabilitation process , patients are constantly being guided and assisted by physiotherapists , not just by artificial intelligence ( AI ).
“ I see a lot of room for growth in this area , and with this award recognition , we ’ re excited to keep learning and exploring new methods of therapy to become one of the leading service providers in this area ,” Eliza added .
The senior management team of SJMC is confident that there is more to come for the hospital and SJMC will continue to be a trailblazer to chart the path forward for medical advancement , clinical excellence and valuebased healthcare .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com SEPTEMBER 2022
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