Cancer affects us all. Millions of people around the world are living with the disease and every year millions more are newly diagnosed.
The Middle East is no exception to the growing burden of cancer with breast cancer being the most prevalent, followed by lung cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. In 2012 alone, cancers in Islamic countries caused 1.02 million deaths, accounting for 12% of the cancer deaths worldwide [1].
Cancer care is increasingly complex, with the impact of new innovations in diagnostics and treatment being hindered by inefficiencies such as multiple patient handoffs, limited integration across specialties and incomplete or excess patient data, all of which can result in missed, delayed or imprecise diagnosis.
“As a series of defining moments – from screening and detection through to surveillance, assessment and follow-up care optimized cancer care acknowledges that early cancer detection and treatment is only part of the story,” says Vincenzo Ventricelli, Chief Executive Officer for Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Philips. “Assessing response to treatment and adjusting treatment based on evidence-based protocols and genomics is just as important.”
As a leader in health technology, Philips champions immediate and ongoing optimization across the care continuum to enable a clear care pathway with predictable outcomes for every patient.
Precision diagnosis
The top priority in cancer care is to assist physicians to make accurate diagnosis the first time and in less time. In response, Philips has a wide portfolio of imaging solutions for detection and diagnosis including detector-based spectral CT, delivering multiple layers of retrospective data in a single, low-dose scan as well as MRI prostate care solutions – expanding the power of MRI beyond radiology[2].
Another example is the EPIQ Elite ultrasound platform that brings clinically tailored tools designed to elevate diagnostic confidence to new levels. For instance, the ultimate breast assessment solution[3] helps clinicians provide patients with the diagnosis and treatment they need when fighting breast cancer.
The use of an enterprise-wide digital pathology platform such as the Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution[4] contributes to earlier and more accurate detection and tissue assessment. A digital pathology solution can lead to a decrease in the rate of interpretation errors, especially in difficult and diagnostically rare diseases conducted by non-subspecialized pathologists. It can also save time for pathologists in administration tasks such matching slides and paperwork to cases, transporting cases, error correction, and retrieving prior records. This frees up capacity for a higher volume of patients.
Telehealth and telecollaboration has a critical role to play in diagnosis, especially in remote regions where patients might not have access to leading technology or expertise. In support, innovations such as the Philips Lumify with Reacts[5] offer truly integrated tele-ultrasound solutions that bring professionals, places, and patients together to make a real difference at the point of care.
Close multi-disciplinary collaboration
A second priority in the fight against the negative impact of cancer on our communities is to arm care teams with expert clinical guidance, timely access to relevant information and a holistic view of the patient by integrating departments to create a unified patient view for collaborative decision making.
Philips virtual tumour board[6] allows the extended clinical team to see all pieces of the patient puzzle in one overview; transforming and enhancing the tumour board process.
By automatically pulling together information from disparate sources – including EMRs, lab, pathology, radiology, and genomics data – Philips cuts down manual preparation time for all involved, and supports timely, informed treatment decisions.
As a series of defining moments – from screening and detection through to surveillance, assessment and follow-up care – optimized cancer care acknowledges that early cancer detection and treatment is only part of the story.
Personalised treatment
This is realized through Philips Oncology Pathways Guide[7] powered by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; offering established standardized and evidence-based treatment se- lections to empower physicians to provide highly personalized care.
“These efficiencies can fast-track intervention at each defining moment including starting of treatment, realizing opportunities for early intervention and adjustment of treatment plans to optimize the outcomes and experience – for patient and caregiver,” says Ventricelli.
• For more information, visit:
https://www.philips.ae/healthcare/medical-specialties/oncology
References
- Rising cancer rates in the Arab World: now is the time for action. EMHJ – Vol 26 No
6 – 2020 [Available from: https://applications.emro.who.int/] - https://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/solutions/oncology/disease-management-solutions/prostate-solutions
- https://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/resources/landing/ultrasound-article-pages/breast
- https://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/resources/landing/philips-intellisite-pathology-solution
- https://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/sites/lumify/ultrasound-realtime-collaboration
- https://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/solutions/diagnostic-informatics/oncology-informatics/tumor-board
- https://www.philips.ae/healthcare/solutions/diagnostic-informatics/oncology-informatics/
pathways#triggername=close_pathways
