Cancer patients in Southern Luzon can now access one of the most advanced cancer treatments globally, as Mary Mediatrix Medical Center partners with Singapore’s Mt. Elizabeth Hospital to provide Proton Beam Therapy (PBT).
The collaboration makes Mary Mediatrix one of the few hospitals in the Philippines—and the first in Batangas and Southern Luzon—to offer access to proton therapy as part of comprehensive cancer care. PBT is the most precise form of radiation therapy, targeting tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, especially for cancers near vital organs such as the brain, spine, heart, and lungs.
“Proton Beam Therapy is a major advancement in cancer treatment,” said Dr. Jaime Songco, Head of the Cancer Institute at Mary Mediatrix. “It allows us to focus treatment on the tumor while better protecting healthy tissue, making care safer and more tolerable for patients.”
Only a limited number of countries worldwide have proton therapy facilities due to the high cost and complex technology involved, which is comparable to particle accelerators used in advanced research. While PBT is more expensive than conventional radiation, the partnership allows eligible patients to access treatment more conveniently through Mary Mediatrix.
The hospital will coordinate care with Mt. Elizabeth Hospital, assisting patients with referrals, treatment planning, and travel arrangements. This patient-centered approach combines international expertise with local support and compassionate care.
Proton Beam Therapy is non-invasive, painless, and usually delivered on an outpatient basis. Treatment plans are highly individualized and may be used alone or alongside surgery or chemotherapy.
By bringing access to advanced cancer treatment closer to home, Mary Mediatrix reduces the need for patients to travel to Metro Manila or overseas, reinforcing its commitment to improving healthcare standards in Southern Luzon.
