Nuclear technology is often perceived as dangerous; however, in modern medicine, it has become one of the most advanced innovations for detecting and treating various diseases, including cancer.
Today, nuclear medicine services support the entire continuum of care, from diagnosis and treatment planning to therapy evaluation, using the latest approaches and strict safety standards, enabling cancer treatment to be both effective and safe.
To better understand nuclear medicine services, dr Lim Andreas, Sp.KN from Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan explains: “The ‘nuclear’ aspect in nuclear medicine does not refer to bombs or large destructive reactors, but rather to radioactive substances known as radiopharmaceuticals. These are used under the principle of keeping radiation exposure as low as possible, allowing doctors to observe and assess the structure and function of organs for diagnosis, treatment planning, therapy evaluation, and even targeted therapy,” he said.
Nuclear medicine consists of a series of integrated services designed to ensure continuous care. First, diagnostic services are supported by advanced imaging tools such as PET-CT scans and SPECT-CT scans, which can detect disease, determine its stage, plan precise treatment, and monitor the patient’s response to therapy.
Second, radiopharmaceutical therapy uses safe doses of radioactive substances to destroy or control diseased cells in a more specific and targeted manner. These substances work directly on cancer cells or abnormal tissues without damaging healthy tissue, making treatment more precise.
“Radiopharmaceutical therapy offers several advantages, including highly targeted action with high precision, minimal intervention as it does not require surgery, integration with diagnostic technologies such as PET-CT and SPECT-CT scans, and the ability to be tailored to each patient’s condition,” added dr Lim Andreas.
Nuclear medicine services can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including cancers (such as breast, lung, thyroid, and prostate cancer), heart disease to assess blood flow, neurological disorders such as epilepsy and dementia, bone abnormalities including infections and bone metastases, thyroid disorders, metabolic conditions, and diseases requiring targeted therapy.
Through these services, patients can experience several benefits. “Patients can obtain accurate diagnostic results, gain a comprehensive overview of their condition, monitor their response to therapy, and receive more targeted treatment through the use of radioactive substances in safe doses to control diseased cells,” explained dr Lim Andreas.
As cancer cases continue to rise in Indonesia, nuclear medicine services are becoming increasingly relevant for accurate diagnosis and appropriate cancer treatment. In response, Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan has introduced Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, equipped with PET-CT and SPECT-CT scanners. These imaging technologies offer lower radiation exposure compared to similar technologies available in Indonesia and are currently only found in a limited number of hospitals. This advantage is particularly important for patients who require repeated evaluations, as it helps minimise long-term risks.
As part of a Comprehensive Cancer Care approach, PET-CT and SPECT-CT services are integrated with the Oncology Center at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, which provides continuous and comprehensive care for tumours and cancer. This is supported by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, an active Tumour Board that develops appropriate treatment plans, and Patient Navigators—comprising doctors and nurses—who accompany patients throughout their treatment journey.
Patients who require comprehensive cancer detection and treatment services can consult with the medical team at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting the call centre at 150770 or via the MyCare application.
Further information about the Oncology Center and other flagship services at Mayapada Hospital is available through the MyCare app under the Health Articles & Tips feature. The app also includes a Personal Health feature that supports a healthy lifestyle by monitoring heart rate, counting steps, tracking calories burned, and calculating Body Mass Index (BMI).