- AI-powered adaptive radiotherapy enables personalised, precise cancer treatment
- New technology helps clinicians adjust treatment in real time while protecting healthy tissue
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), part of the IHH Healthcare network, has launched Varian Ethos with HyperSight, an AI-powered image-guided adaptive radiotherapy system designed to help clinicians personalise cancer treatment based on changes in a patient’s anatomy throughout the course of treatment.
The launch was officiated by Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, deputy minister of health, marking a significant step in PHKL’s efforts to strengthen oncology care and expand access to specialised cancer treatment in Malaysia.
Unlike conventional radiotherapy systems, Varian Ethos with HyperSight enables clinicians to adapt treatment plans in real time as changes occur in a patient’s anatomy, tumour size or organ position. This allows radiation to remain focused on the tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
For patients, the technology supports greater treatment precision, shorter treatment sessions, improved comfort and a more personalised treatment experience, as clinicians are able to review and refine treatment plans before each session.
“Today’s launch reflects our shared commitment to continuous innovation and compassionate care. Through this public-private partnership, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been able to extend free radiotherapy and radiosurgery services to public sector patients, ensuring that advanced treatment reaches those who need it most,” Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib said.
Dr Kamal Amzan, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said the technology represents an important step in transforming how cancer care is delivered.
“The next phase of cancer care will not be defined by technology alone, but by how well we use it to change the way care is delivered. At Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the introduction of Varian Ethos with HyperSight is part of that shift.
“It strengthens our ability to support patients with more precise treatment, while also showing how private healthcare can add capacity and contribute more meaningfully to Malaysia’s wider cancer care needs,” he said.
Since 2023, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur has supported public-private healthcare collaboration by providing radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatments to patients referred from public hospitals, helping improve access to specialised cancer care while easing pressure on the national healthcare system.
Dr Lam Kai Seng, clinical oncologist and head of department, said one of the key advantages of adaptive radiotherapy is its ability to personalise treatment more accurately each day, particularly for cancers located near critical organs or areas that naturally shift within the body.
“Cancer treatment is not only about targeting the tumour, it is also about preserving quality of life during and after treatment. With Ethos HyperSight Radiotherapy, we are able to make more informed adjustments in real time, helping patients receive highly precise treatment while reducing unnecessary exposure to healthy tissues,” he said.
Chong Soon Mei, CEO of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, said the new technology reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering patient-centred oncology care.
“The launch of Ethos HyperSight Radiotherapy marks an exciting new chapter for our Cancer Centre. This technology reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centred oncology care, where precision, comfort and compassion come together to make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives,” she said.
For many patients and families, more efficient treatment sessions and fewer disruptions can also help reduce the emotional and physical strain often associated with long-term cancer care.
PHKL’s cancer care services continue to be supported by multidisciplinary teams across oncology, surgery, haematology, pathology, radiology, medical physics, nursing and allied health, as well as patient navigators who help coordinate care and guide patients through treatment.
Beyond radiotherapy, the hospital continues to strengthen its oncology capabilities through clinical research, site-specific oncology programmes and advanced treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy. The introduction of Varian Ethos with HyperSight further enhances its ability to provide personalised cancer care through a combination of technology, clinical expertise and multidisciplinary support.