Hospital Picaso pioneers next-gen innovations in cancer care

Prostate, pancreatic and liver cancers continue to pose some of the biggest challenges in Malaysia’s fight against non-communicable diseases, with many cases still diagnosed at late stages. Prostate cancer is among the most common malignancies affecting Malaysian men, often only detected after it has progressed. Liver cancer also ranks high in prevalence, while pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest, largely due to late detection and limited treatment options.

In response, Hospital Picaso – a centre of excellence for advanced surgery and integrated oncology – is pioneering a new approach to treatment. The hospital is currently the only facility in the country to offer Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), a cutting-edge non-thermal ablation technique that targets cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This technology signals a major step forward in personalised cancer care, especially for prostate cancer patients.

“This technique gives us a targeted way to treat prostate cancer, while reducing damage to surrounding structures,” said Dato’ Dr Loh Chit Sin, Consultant Urologist at Hospital Picaso. “This treatment can help patients to retain urinary continence and preserve erectile function. These outcomes address two of the biggest concerns men face—maintaining quality of life while seeking effective care.”

IRE offers safer precision for difficult tumours

IRE works by delivering high-voltage electrical pulses that destroy cancer cells without generating heat. This allows doctors to treat tumours located near sensitive structures such as nerves, ducts and blood vessels. As a result, it is especially useful in managing cancers of the prostate, liver, pancreas and kidneys, where traditional surgery or thermal ablation methods may pose higher risks.

Beyond just expanding technical capabilities, this shift also marks a broader evolution in cancer care – focusing on improved outcomes, reduced side effects and enhanced patient experience.

Electrochemotherapy offers new options

In addition to IRE, Hospital Picaso is also introducing Electrochemotherapy (ECT) to further bolster its interventional oncology offerings. ECT combines localised chemotherapy with short electrical pulses to dramatically increase drug uptake in tumour cells, allowing for more effective treatment with fewer systemic effects.

ECT is proving particularly beneficial for treating difficult-to-access or previously resistant tumours in the liver and pancreas, providing renewed hope for patients with few remaining options.

“When we detect prostate, pancreatic or liver cancer early, we’re able to offer options that are less invasive and more targeted,” Dr Loh added. “With techniques like Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) and Electrochemotherapy, we’re not just treating the disease – we’re giving patients more control over their treatment journey.”

At Hospital Picaso, these technologies represent more than just medical innovation. They reflect a changing paradigm in cancer treatment – one that prioritises precision, patient quality of life, and long-term outcomes. While advancements are expanding what is medically possible, early detection remains critical in ensuring these options can be utilised to their full potential.