Indonesian Oncology Association Holds FGD on the Effectiveness of Cancer Treatment in Indonesia

JAKARTA, NusaBali.com – The Indonesian Oncology Association (Perhimpunan Onkologi Indonesia/POI) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled "Integrative Cancer Care & Hyperthermia Centre Initiative" at the Menara Peninsula Hotel in Jakarta on September 15, 2024. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of cancer treatment in Indonesia, highlighting the need for significant efforts to address the challenges faced by the country.

POI Chairman, Dr. Cosphiadi Irawan, Sp.PD-KHOM, pointed out alarming global statistics: in 2020, there were 10 million cancer-related deaths, and this number is projected to rise to 13 million by 2030 if significant measures are not taken. He emphasized that Indonesia's growing cancer prevalence, reported at 136 per 100,000 in 2022, could become a national burden, with 70% of the costs expected to fall on the government. Globally, one in six deaths is attributed to cancer, which makes it a significant burden on populations worldwide.

Dr. Cosphiadi Irawan highlighted the gap between developed and developing countries. In developed nations, cancer control programs are consistent, systematic, structured, and sustainable, resulting in reduced mortality rates. However, this is not the case in most developing countries, including Indonesia. Therefore, he stressed the need for government awareness and cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve cancer survival rates in the country.

The FGD was attended by key figures in the field of oncology and health tourism, including Dr. Demak Lumban Tobing (Secretary-General of POI), Dr. Taufik Jamaan, Sp.OG (Co-Chair of the Indonesia Health Tourism Promotion Board/IHTPB and Chairman of the Indonesia Medical Tourism Association/AWMI), Dr. Widya Murni, MARS (Co-Chair IHTPB), Prof. Hong Seok Jang, MD (St. Mary's Catholic Hospital, South Korea), and Dr. Zawawi Abdullah (Founder of Impian Emas Medical Center, Malaysia). The main topics discussed were the need for integrative cancer care and the establishment of a Hyperthermia Centre in Indonesia, supported by skilled healthcare professionals.

One of the fundamental issues discussed was the limited availability of healthcare workers and challenges related to the referral and diagnosis systems, which often lead to treatment delays, causing many patients to reach the palliative stage. Thus, collaboration among various stakeholders is crucial to improve cancer survival rates and reduce mortality rates.

Addressing these challenges requires the involvement of multiple disciplines and stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, insurers, and both central and regional government regulators. Accurate clinical and non-clinical measures must be taken to ensure cancer treatment can be effectively implemented across all provinces in Indonesia, making treatment accessible not only on Java but also in Sumatra, Kalimantan, NTT, NTB, and other regions.

The role of hyperthermia therapy in increasing the temperature of specific areas to 39-45°C for an hour was also discussed. This treatment could potentially increase the fragility of tumor cells and complement other cancer therapies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. A detailed review of hyperthermia's complementary role and its feasibility in remote regions of Indonesia is necessary before further development of Hyperthermia Centres.

It is hoped that this discussion will result in a more comprehensive approach to cancer management in Indonesia. Collecting relevant data as a reference and conducting trial collaborations at various cancer centers across the country are part of the initiative to support POI’s work program with stakeholders, ultimately aiming for more effective cancer treatment nationwide.