On 2/4/2006 Jeff_s wrote:
A more recent development in this area is the Novalis Shaped Beam system. I was very interested in this but was told by 2 centers that these tumors are not amenable to that treatment because it requires very precise imaging, which the location of a Klatskin tumor like my wife has makes very difficult. There is also Therasphere radiotherapy. It involves the injection of microscopic radioactive beads directly into the vascular supply of the tumor. They radiate the tumor from the inside out for about 4 days and then go inert. Success at getting at least some significant reduction in tumor size is up aroung 75%. See Northwestern memorial Hospital, Dr. Riad Salem, as a possible place for that. Radiofrequency ablation (done at the same place) is also a potential option. Consider also Steven Strasberg at Washington University in St. Louis. Good Luck. Jeff S.
Hi.
I'm a UK national who has been living and working in Thailand for most of the last 10 years. My father was recently diagnosed with chalangiocarcinoma, and has just undergone Whipples surgery a couple of weeks ago in the UK via the National Health Service. I've just returned to Thailand from visiting for a week or so, and like many people have been finding out what I can on the internet. Being in a different country also makes me feel even more determined to try and help somehow.
Anyway, I came across this website after thru Google. Novalis treatment is available at Wattanosoth Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. They list chalangiocarcinoma as one of the things Novalis can be used for. I cannot comment on the treatment or the hospital first hand. But I thought people may be interested.
What I can say is that having lived here for 10 years, there are some fantastic international class hospitals in Thailand, and often to high international standards. Thailand has also put great efforts into linking tourism and medical treatments. Costs also tend to be much lower than private hospitals in the UK.
As examples:
- you can usually walk in and see a specialist in many fields (don't know about cancer yet) same day and for GBP 10 consultation in a leading hospital.
- When my wife had our first baby we went to the number one hosital here (Bumrungrad) and all in everything cost about GBP 1,000 including 3 days in the hospital, delivery, nursery care etc. They were fantastic with top class facilities. It would cost probably 5 times that in the UK if you went private.
For people looking for ideas/alternatives I hope this may be of use to at least some. When my father comes to visit us on holiday in a few months, I hope to convince him to at least go for a chek-up and second opinion.
http://www.bangkokhospital.com/eng/wattanosoth_Novalis.aspx