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| Mary Mediatrix Medical Center Cancer Institute Head Dr. Jaime Songco at the Proton Beam Therapy facility (Image Source: Manila Standard/Mary Mediatrix Medical Center) |
Mary Mediatrix Medical Center (MMMC), a leading major hospital in the city of Lipa in the province of Batangas, recently opened its newest cancer treatment facility, the most advanced in the world, through its partnership with Singapore’s Mt. Elizabeth Hospital. This marks a major step forward in cancer treatment for Southern Luzon with the introduction of Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), the most precise form of radiation therapy designed to target tumors while causing minimal to no damage to surrounding healthy tissue, as an option for patients. The addition of this advanced technology places Mary Mediatrix among the few healthcare institutions in the Philippines, and certainly the first in Batangas and across Southern Luzon, to offer proton therapy as part of comprehensive cancer care.
“Proton Beam Therapy represents a significant advancement in how we treat cancer. Our goal has always been to deliver treatment that is not only effective but also safer and more tolerable for patients. Proton therapy allows us to do exactly that by focusing treatment on the tumor while protecting healthy tissue as much as possible,” said MMMC Cancer Institute Head Dr. Jaime Songco. Proton Beam Therapy allows physicians to treat tumors with greater accuracy, particularly those located near critical organs such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, or lungs. This ensures that the beam is precisely directed at cancerous tissues while sparing nearby healthy structures. According to Dr. Songco, very few countries in the world have a Proton Beam Therapy facility. This is because the investment needed to set up a proton beam therapy center is massive, costing tens of millions to over a hundred million U.S. dollars. The technology and infrastructure are costly because the facility operates and is built similarly to particle accelerators used in advanced physics research. All ofthese components are necessary to produce the proton beam that targets cancerous tumors. This also means that PBT costs more than other cancer treatments. However, patients who have the resources to avail of PBT can now access it more easily and conveniently through Mary Mediatrix in Lipa City, Batangas.
Patients will benefit from the personalized, patient-centered, world-class cancer expertise provided by Mary Mediatrix, combined with Filipino care and malasakit. Mary Mediatrix will facilitate patients’ travel, accommodations, and coordination with Mt. Elizabeth Hospital specialists in Singapore, making the process far more convenient and less stressful than arranging everything independently. According to Dr. Songco, access to Proton Beam Therapy further strengthens MMMC’s ability to deliver personalized and integrated cancer treatment. “Cancer care is rarely one-size-fits-all. Proton therapy can be used onits own or combined with surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments, depending on what is best for the patient. What’s important is that we now have more options, especially for complex cases where precision truly matters.” PBT is typically delivered on an outpatient basis and is painless and non-invasive. Treatment plans are highly individualized based on detailed imaging and careful planning by a multi-disciplinary cancer care team. Depending on the type and location of the cancer, patients may undergo several sessions over the course of a few weeks, often with fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy. Beyond its clinical benefits, the introduction of Proton Beam Therapy reflects MMMC’s long-term commitment to elevating healthcare standards in the region. By bringing access to advanced cancer technology closer to home, the hospital reduces the need for patients to travel to Metro Manila or abroad for specialized treatment.
Dr. Songco added, “For many patients, access is just as important as innovation. By offering Proton Beam Therapy access to patients in Batangas, Southern Luzon, and even those outside the region, we are helping ensure that the cancer care we provide is not only world-class but also accessible, compassionate, and patient-centered.” Mary Mediatrix Medical Center continues to invest in modern facilities, specialized expertise, and multi-disciplinary care models, reinforcing its role as a leading healthcare provider in Southern Luzon and a trusted partner for patients navigating the challenges of their cancer journey.
For more information about proton beam therapy at Mary Mediatrix, contact the hospital via e-mail at customercare@mediatrix.com.ph or at (043) 778-6800. MMMC, situated at Jose P. Laurel National Highway, Lipa City, Batangas (beside Jollibee Lipa Ayala), is open 24/7 (except for other diagnostic departments).
