World oncologist researchers to share knowledge with RI medical practitioners

Matheos Viktor Messakh ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 05/08/2008 4:58 PM  |  National

The Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology (MRIN) plans to hold an international symposium on cancer research in an attempt to share knowledge on the application of new technology with the ountry's medical practitioners.

The symposium titled "Frontier of Cancer Research" will be held from May 10 to May 11 at Pelita Harapan University's campus in Lippo Karawaci and is set to feature eighteen of the world's top oncologists, who would share their latest research with professionals, researchers and medical students.

The two-day symposium, held in a collaboration with Pelita Harapan University and Siloam Hospitals, is also a precursor event to the opening of the Mochtar Riady Institute of Nanotechnology on May 12.

"Out of 240 million people in Indonesia, we only have about 120 oncologists and about 100 neurologists. This portrays how limited specialists are in Indonesia," Lippo Group's chairman
Mochtar Riady told reporters Thursday.

"We also only have one cancer hospital, Darmais Hospital. No wonder many rich people prefer to go abroad for treatment. But how about those who cannot afford to go abroad?"

Riady said in order to change this trend the country should have a good medical school, supported by good research and good specialist hospitals.

"The main problem in Indonesia is not that we lack expertise, but rather that we have lacked research into the exploration of new methods."

The MRIN, which was established in 2006, has conducted researches on cancer prevention, causes, early diagnosis, control and cures to further advance medical and scientific research. The institute is primarily focused on studies related to Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with the aim to improve HCC control and management in Indonesia.

"We truly hope this symposium will act as a catalyst to focus attention on the critical health issues facing Indonesia, particularly cancer, and encourage medical professionals, researchers, scientists and medical students to apply their knowledge to the advancement of medical education and research in Indonesia."

Cancer is a major cause of mortality today, despite advances in imaging technology, modern surgery and therapeutic modalities. It is estimated that cancer kills over 6 million people each year worldwide, with over 10 million new cases being diagnosed every year.

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