When Muhammad Akhbar bin Mohamed Jailani, a devoted father of four, was diagnosed with stage 4A nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), more commonly known as nose cancer, his world fell apart. The news weighed heavily on him, not just for his health but for the future of his family.
Fear of debilitating side effects from treatments overwhelmed him — he couldn’t bear the thought of being too weak to care for his children. But amidst the uncertainty, hope emerged in the form of Proton Beam Therapy (PBT).
At the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Akhbar underwent PBT which precisely targeted his tumour, sparing his healthy tissues. Although he experienced some side effects, they were manageable and did not significantly impact his quality of life. It did not take long for his energy levels and appetite to return to normal – and his mood quickly lifted while in recovery.
Today, Akhbar is back to living the life he loves, cherishing every moment with his children. His story is a powerful reminder that innovation in cancer care is not just about survival —it’s about preserving the quality of life for those fighting the disease.
Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Singapore, with over 87,000 cases reported between 2018 and 2022. This staggering statistic highlights the urgency of innovative treatments to improve outcomes for patients. Cancers located in sensitive areas of the body, such as the brain, spine, head, and neck, pose unique treatment challenges. These regions often house critical tissues, making it difficult to target tumours without causing collateral damage. Side effects can include hearing loss, dry mouth, fatigue, difficulty swallowing and damage to surrounding organs, severely impacting a patient's quality of life.
This is where PBT has emerged as an advanced cancer treatment for these cancers. Leveraging advanced precision, PBT delivers its energy directly to the tumour site, minimising harm to healthy tissues. This makes it particularly effective for cancers located in hard-to-reach or delicate areas. For example:
Cancers near vital organs and in the head and neck
PBT provides precise treatment for tumours in sensitive areas and protecting critical structures like the brain and spinal cord while lowering the risk of side effects.
Pediatric cancers
Reducing radiation exposure is crucial for young patients to prevent long-term developmental side effects.
NPC ranks as one of the top 10 most common cancers in Singapore, disproportionately impacting men between the ages of 30 to 50. Affecting approximately 300 individuals annually, NPC often requires advanced care due to its complex nature – highlighting an urgent need for targeted therapies like PBT, which minimizes harm to nearby organs while effectively eradicating tumours.
Proton Beam Therapy uses protons—positively charged particles — to target tumours with great accuracy. Its unique Bragg Peak effect ensures that protons deliver their maximum energy at the tumour site, sparing nearby healthy tissues. For patients like Akhbar, this meant fewer side effects, faster recovery and the ability to resume normal life.
The Bragg Peak
Protons release maximum energy at the exact tumour depth, minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
Precision in Proton Beam Therapy
Targeted delivery: Protons focus on tumours located in sensitive areas like the brain, spine, and head and neck.
Pediatric benefits: Reduced radiation exposure minimises long-term developmental risks in children.
Reduction in side effects: Nausea, fatigue, and long-term damage are significantly lower with PBT.
By combining Hitachi’s groundbreaking technology with NCCS’s oncology expertise, the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre represents a commitment to advancing cancer care in the region.
Proton Beam Therapy has been a lifeline for many patients in this region — a path to healing that offers hope, dignity and time with loved ones. As access to innovative cancer treatments, such as proton beam therapy continues to grow, it will light the way for thousands of families across Southeast Asia, transforming lives one patient at a time.
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