Holistic approach to cancer care at Asian Hospital


Dr. Rodelio Bito, section head of Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Center for Executive Check-Up

Dr. Gabriel Natividad, chair of the Tumor Committee of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center


Cancer continues to be a daunting challenge in the global medical community. The incidence of cancer deaths worldwide remains on the rise despite aggressive campaign on cancer prevention and treatment. In 2004 alone, about 7.4 million patients worldwide have been reported to have died of cancer-related illnesses, according to data from the World Health Organization. The WHO, in its report, predicted that the number of cancer-related deaths will continue to rise and is feared to reach 12 million by the year 2030.

The Philippines is not spared by these alarming findings. Dr. Gabriel Natividad, chair of the Tumor Committee of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, related that cancer is becoming prevalent in the country, ranking second to heart disease and stroke as a cause of death among Filipinos. People should know that cancer can actually be prevented.

“With the rising incidence of cancer in the country, there is a need to focus on cancer care, particularly educate the public on measures that should be undertaken in order to prevent cancer. As a world-class medical institution, Asian Hospital has always been at the forefront of providing patient education and excellent medical care to help patients adopt a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Natividad.

Dr. Rodelio Bito, section head of Asian Hospital’s Center for Executive Check-Up, related that cancer is a lifestyle-related disease that can be prevented through lifestyle modification.

“Genetics, of course is an inevitable factor, but what should be noted is that 30% of cancer deaths can be prevented if we all just live a healthy lifestyle. Since cancer is a lifestyle-related disease, high-risk behaviors such as smoking, diet, sexual activity, pollution and occupational exposure can contribute in the development of cancer-related illness in the future,” explained Dr. Bito.

Another cause for concern is the lack of a comprehensive program on the management and treatment of cancer. Added Dr. Bito, “It is sad that majority of patients today don’t get access to expert cancer care. Most of them don’t know the signs and symptoms of cancer, what to do if they are diagnosed with one, and how they can effectively manage and cope with their illness.”

With these concerns in mind, the Asian Hospital has drummed up all its efforts in ensuring to provide comprehensive cancer care among patients. Through its Tumor Committee, a holistic approach to cancer care has been devised to ensure that Filipinos have access to cancer care – from preventing the disease to management and providing comfort to those who are in the late stage of the disease.

The Asian Hospital Tumor Committee oversees all the programs in the hospital relating to cancer care. Through the Committee, a one-stop shop approach to cancer care was conceptualized to ensure that patients are guided accordingly whether they want to prevent getting cancer or to receive effective medical care.

In the prevention of the dreaded disease, the hospital offers the Lifestyle Medicine Program, which focuses on preventing the development of cancer by encouraging patients to change their lifestyle habits. This is offered through the newly opened Lifestyle Medicine Center, where patients can get help in eating right and adopting an active lifestyle as well as getting assistance in screening for cancer. The hospital puts emphasis in undergoing a screening program to educate patients on cancer prevention and early detection.

For patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, the hospital offers a Multidisciplinary Approach for Cancer Treatment. Backed up by all the cancer specialists of the hospital and utilizing all its state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, the hospital ensures a multispecialty approach where patients can get convenient access to expert treatment and world-class services to help them manage and treat their illness.

For patients diagnosed in the late stage of cancer, Asian Hospital and Medical Center Palliative Care Section open its door to provide quality of life care and address end-of-life concerns of patients and their families.

“From preventing the disease to diagnosis, to treatment and management, to helping them cope with end-of-life issues, the Asian Hospital, through the Tumor Committee, is meeting the challenge upfront to provide the best cancer care to patients through a holistic, team-based and multidisciplinary approach,” concluded Dr. Natividad.

For more information on cancer care at Asian Hospital, call 771-9000 or visit its website at www.asianhospital.com.

Pharex HealthCorp reinforces partnership with medical community with new Ka-Pharex Card

Pharex HealthCorp, the No. 1 manufacturer of uni-branded medicines in the country, strengthens its partnership with the medical community in delivering better healthcare with the launch of the new Ka-Pharex Card.

The Ka-Pharex Card is an exclusive rewards program offered to doctors to facilitate faster acquisition of high-quality and affordable medicines for their patients.

In the launch held in the recent Ka-Pharex Night for the company’s partners in the medical community, Tomas Marcelo Agana III, Pharex HealthCorp president and chief executive officer, expressed the importance of coming up with the program.

“For more than 20 years in the industry, Pharex has successfully achieved its goals through the staunch support and loyalty of our friends from the medical community. So we’re introducing the Ka-Pharex Card not only as a way to express the company’s gratitude for being our loyal partners in health, but also reiterates our shared commitment to bringing high-quality, affordable medicines closer to the masses,” said Agana.

For this program, Pharex has partnered with Mercury Drug, the country’s largest drug store, to ensure that doctors get to avail of Pharex products at more drug stores across the country.

The new Ka-Pharex Card is a wise and reliable “Ka-Partner” in health by offering the best and exclusive rewards system for doctors. With every purchase at Mercury Drug using this card, doctors can earn rewards points that they can accumulate and be used as good as cash. This means, they can use these accumulated rewards points to buy Pharex medicines at any Mercury Drug store.

“With the Ka-Pharex Card, our partners in the medical community can get big savings on Pharex medications – from maintenance drugs to the treatment of common diseases. The best part is, they can easily redeem their rewards points so they can use them any time they need to purchase Pharex items at Mercury Drug. The card is also transferable so they can share the benefits of Pharex medicines with more people,” explained Agana.

All Ka-Pharex cardholders will automatically earn points under the rewards promo with every Pharex purchase at any Mercury Drug store.

With the Ka-Pharex Card, Pharex HealthCorp reiterates its commitment to a stronger partnership with the medical community to give Filipinos better healthcare through high-quality, affordable medicines.

A fun-filled celebration for would-be-moms at Asian Hospital

Dr. Ma. Cristina Pelaez-Crisologo shares with moms-to-be important pointers in pre- and post- natal care.


Asian Hospital and Medical Center recently treated moms-to-be along with their families to a fun-filled event of learning, bonding and shopping held last October 16 – 23, 2010.

Dubbed as, “Mom’s Day Out,” this week-long activity marked the culmination of this year’s ‘Simply Maternal,” a series of lectures that has become one of the most anticipated lay fora among our expectant moms and dads.

“This year, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, together with the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Anesthesiology, paid tribute to our patients by coming out with this exciting event that was highlighted by various activities designed to be a celebration for our new moms and our moms-to-be. It was a week especially dedicated to our patients to help them discover and learn important aspects on pregnancy, birth and newborn care while finding joy and excitement in the course of being pregnant and in becoming a new mother,” said Dr. Ma. Corazon B. De Jesus, section head of Perinatology of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

At the event, moms-to-be and their families had a blast shopping for baby stuff and other great finds at the Mom’s Day Out Bazaar. They got to enjoy marked-down prices on pregnancy items and baby care products. Moms and dads learned about the basics of 3D and 4D ultrasound during a free lecture. Free lunch was served to all the attendees of this lecture.

Exciting activities were also in store for the kids. They got to do arts and crafts making, which bonded them more with their parents. The little ones also had the time of their lives watching a free screening of Nanny McPhee starring Emma Thompson.

A photo exhibit dubbed as “precious moments” was a much awaited portion of this event. Featured were masterpieces from proud parents whose works on display truly awed and touched the hearts of guests. Twenty finalists were chosen for their treasured moments snapshots and went home with special gift packs that included gift certificates from Kid’s clothes shop and spa, skin care products for mothers, baby care products, health items and even household items. These special gift packs will definitely aid the mom in caring for her and the baby.

Highlighting the event was the Simply Maternal symposium which reinforced the importance of prenatal care that impacts on the pregnancy outcome, newborn care and what to expect during the anesthetic procedure. The open forum was gaily participated in not only by the pregnant patients but also by the husbands.

Moreover, other helpful topics such as dressing up for the pregnant women, skin care and proper diet tips, exercise and relaxation techniques were discussed to give moms insights on how to fully enjoy their pregnancy. Interactive games and exciting raffle items were also given out to expectant moms.

Finally, a tour of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Genesis Center and Huggery was conducted to give the guests and patients an idea of the pregnancy and baby care services offered by the hospital.

The event truly reiterated Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s position as the Filipino Families’ partner in pregnancy and baby care. For more information on the pregnancy and baby care services offered, call 771-9000 to 02 or visit www.asianhospital.com.



Asian Hospital and Medical Center introduces new state-of-the-art cardiovascular X-ray machine

The new Allura Xper, now available at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, is the most advanced cardiovascular X-ray system in the market today designed to provide optimized cardiovascular intervention and enhanced cath lab experience for complex procedures.



True to its reputation of introducing the latest technologies to deliver world-class healthcare in the country, Asian Hospital and Medical Center introduces the Allura Xper FD20/10 cardiovascular X-ray system for complex procedures, designed to provide optimized cardiovascular intervention and enhanced cath lab experience.

The new machine is part of Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s continuing efforts to expand its facilities to provide better medical care to patients. Dr. Saturnino Javier, head of Cardiology-Interventional Section of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, said the new machine is the latest acquisition for the hospital’s catheterization laboratory or cath lab, an examination room used to support the catheterization procedure for cardiovascular interventions.

“This new cardiovascular X-ray system is the most advanced cardiovascular X-ray system in the market today, providing the clearest possible view of cardiac and vascular interventions. It provides the right balance of superb image quality and low X-ray dose, proven to give highly effective results during lengthy procedures,” explained Dr. Javier.

Dr. Javier added that the cardiovascular X-ray system boasts of versatility in diagnostic imaging providing crisp visualization of small details and objects for complex interventions. It also minimizes X-ray dose for cardiac, vascular and pediatric examinations.

“These advanced features, particularly the specialized pediatric settings that reduce X-ray dose, allow cardiologists to get twice the information with a single contrast injection, which is the most critical factor for pediatric examinations,” shared Dr. Javier.

With this new machine, cardiologists can also personalize their settings and control all movements and interventional tools tableside to provide outstanding support for treating congenital heart disease and for performing vascular examinations.

Apart from the benefits it provides surgeons, the new machine also offers utmost advantages to patients. It provides excellent patient accessibility, patient protection mechanism, and effectively supports high patient load while enhancing accuracy and efficiency of gravity-oriented procedures.

The technology utilized in this new machine breaks new ground for interventional procedures, vascular and cardiovascular applications. Because it simplifies cath lab workflow, cardiologists can focus better on their patients and help them deliver faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

For any information related to angiography and angioplasty, call the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory of Asian Hospital and Medical Center at (+632) 771-9000 to 02 local 5805 or visit www.asianhospital.com.

Can one really die of ‘bangungot’?

We may have heard of it through circulated emails or online news: A young man, just starting a career for himself, described to be full of life and kind-hearted, suddenly dies in his sleep. How can someone so young and seemingly healthy pass on, without being given the chance to live his life to the fullest?

Underlying such unexplained and unfortunate reality is the baffling question of the possibility of dyingin one’s sleep. Urban legends have been passed around through the years linking such cases to nightmares or “bangungot.” But in today’s world of advanced scientific and medical discoveries, such questions remain: Is it really possible to die of nightmares? Are all sudden unexpected deaths caused by “bangungot”?

These questions will be answered at the upcoming symposium to be held at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center entitled “Solving the Mystery of Sudden Unexpected Death: Brugada Syndrome” slated on December 4, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Conference Facility Unit of the hospital.

At the symposium to be held in cooperation with UCSF Medical Center, discussion will focus on “Brugada Syndrome”, a heart rhythm disorder that could sometimes lead to sudden death.In some instances, it can show itself through a “Brugada sign,” as noted on a routine electrocardiogram. This condition is frequently an inherited condition.

“Through the years people have speculated on the real causes of sudden death in sleep. Through this talk, we would be able to shed a little light on the “real” cause, a potentially lethal abnormal heart rhythm,” said Dr. Benjamin G. Luna, Jr., Section Head of Cardiology of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Providing their expertise on the subject are Dr. Giselle Gervacio, an electrophysiologist who has written a paper on Brugada Syndrome’s prevalence among Filipinos; and Dr. Byron K. Lee, also an electrophysiologist from the UCSF Medical Center, who will be delving deeper on the causes, risk factors and prevention and treatment of this condition.

To be part of this interesting discussion, pre-register now by calling the Marketing Department at 771-9000 to 02 locals 8066 or 8073 or 876-5826.You can also send an email to marketing@asianhospital.com. For more information, visit www.asianhospital.com.

Latest techniques in spine surgery focus on Pott’s Disease

Tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s oldest diseases, remains a global public health concern today. The past decade has experienced an increased prevalence with 33% of untreated patients dying every year. Because of its ability to travel to any organ in the body other than the lungs, it poses greater health risks that can be debilitating and even fatal.

One of the most common sites where TB can pose incapacitating effects is the spine. TB of the spine, or Tuberculous Spondylitis and more commonly known as Pott’s Disease, results from the spread of tuberculosis from other sites, often originating from the lungs. Named after English surgeon Sir John Percival Pott, this disease is typically characterized by a hunchback deformity caused by the collapse of the vertebrae with a resultant spinal cord compression and paralysis.

The debilitating effects of Pott’s Disease start usually as back pain. It may cause what is known as “night cries” in children where they may wake up crying due to pain. It may also be associated with weight loss and generalized body malaise. Over the course of weeks to months, a “gibbus’ develops which is manifested as a hump on the back. If untreated, the spinal column can become unstable which may eventually lead to a deformity or worse, a compression of the spinal cord resulting in different degrees of paralysis. Occasionally, these complications require surgical management in addition to anti-TB medication. Pott’s Disease may well be considered one of the most dangerous forms of musculoskeletal tuberculosis meriting increased awareness.

Cognizant of the problem of Pott’s Disease, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, in collaboration with the Philippine Spine Society, held an operative course and symposium entitled “Advances in the Management of Tuberculous Spondylitis.” Dr. Jose Martin Paiso, section head of Spinal Surgery at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, joined other spine surgery experts to share their knowledge among orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, consultants and residents on the dangers of the disease and the advances in treatment that are now available to ensure an ideal management of the disease.

“The promotion and advancement of orthopedics and spine surgery as one of the pillars of Asian Hospital and Medical Center is just one of many goals the hospital undertakes to provide further medical education to Filipino surgeons, in keeping with its commitment to provide world-class healthcare in the country,” Theo Seiler, chief executive officer of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, related in his welcome address.

Dr. Antonio Sison, president of the Philippine Spine Society, explained the importance of organizing the symposium in the practice of spine surgery: “TB is a disease of poverty which is especially common in the Philippines. We feel this is a relevant step to ensure that local spine surgeons are armed with the latest trends in the surgical treatment of Pott’s Disease so our patients receive better treatment and medical care.”

Among the updates on the treatment and management of Pott’s Disease included the use of additional instrumentation in surgical management. Dr. Jose Manuel Ignacio, head of Scientific Events of the Philippine Spine Society shared: “With the new technologies that we have today, treating Pott’s Disease becomes better. Now we can make the spine stable without having to wear a brace. Modern techniques in instrumentation make it possible for the patient to recover faster without too much downtime.”

The activity commenced with a comprehensive, whole-day symposium with local and international faculty including Prof. Chung Chek Wong from Malaysia and Prof. Jianzhong Xu from Taiwan, who tackled TB of the spine from the history of the disease and medical management, to more modern techniques of surgical management.

On the second day, a live surgical demonstration highlighted the event which showcased the “hybrid approach of surgery”. Featured was the case of an indigent female patient afflicted with Pott’s Disease of the T7 vertebra that caused her to be paralyzed. Her case was managed at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center and her treatment was sponsored by the Asian Charities Inc.

As a result of the sponsored treatment, the patient was able to benefit from a new surgical technique which involved accessing the front part of the spine from a single posterior approach. This entailed the use of modern spinal instrumentation techniques. The state-of-the-art setup in Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s operating room provided a clearer, more in-depth view of the principles of the surgical technique and there was a lively discussion as the surgeon interacted remotely with the participants in the conference room. Also, the patient had an uneventful recovery until she was discharged four days after her surgery and transferred back to her mother hospital.

For more information on the latest in spine surgery, call the Asian Hospital and Medical Center at 771-9000 to 02 or visit www.asianhospital.com.


Dr. Jose Martin Paiso, section head of Spinal Surgery at Asian Hospital and Medical Center and Dr. Jose Manuel Ignacio, head of Scientific Events of the Philippine Spine Society.


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(from left) Dr. Chung Chek Wong, Dr. Jianzhong Xu, Dr. Tsiang Fu Tsai and Dr. Tiong Sam Lim



Innovations in pediatrics in Asian Hospital and Medical Center scientific forum


In a pediatric medicine conference hosted by Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian and Columbia University Medical Center two years ago, conference course director Dr. Mitchell Cairo highlighted the remarkable innovations in pediatrics in the last 10 years: “Medical breakthroughs have greatly increased the range of treatment options for pediatric diseases… in the last decade, biomedical and research breakthroughs have helped transform the care of children, improving diagnosis and treatment for numerous diseases.”

The advances in pediatric care in the past years, particularly in genetics and stem cell therapy, have indeed helped pediatric experts provide better healthcare for children and adolescents. In the Philippines, the advent of such innovative pediatric care and treatment has given Filipino physicians more reasons to elevate their practice and pediatric experts at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center continue to stay on guard to ensure that Filipino children and adolescents benefit from the medical discoveries and innovations in pursuit of longer, healthier lives.

“We continue to inform the public, more importantly our doctors of the latest in pediatric care through lectures, lay for and CME programs to ensure that Asian Hospital and Medical Center doctors as well-equipped with updated medical literature, diagnostic and treatment procedures in pediatric medicine,” related Dr. Arneil Suratos, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

In line with its commitment to educate doctors and the public on the latest in pediatric care, a scientific forum titled “Pediatric Advances – From Birth to Adolescence” will be held for medical practitioners on November 18, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Conference Facility Unit of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

The forum hosted by the Department of Pediatrics will feature pediatric experts who will share their knowledge and expertise on such topics as Preventive Pediatric Care, Screening for Adolescents at Risk, and Managing Common Pediatric Problems.

“We aim to provide an in-depth discussion to help medical practitioners understand and include in their practice such pediatric innovations for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients,” added Dr. Suratos.

The scientific forum offers limited slots only. Registration fee is at P200. For more information and pre-registration, call Ricky Alon-Alon at 771-9000 local 8202. Visit www.asianhospital.com for more information.