Cancer often develops without specific warning signs. This was the case for Mr. Edi Sutikno Kurniawan, a 70-year-old patient from Jakarta who was eventually diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer that had spread throughout his bones.
Despite the severity of his condition, Mr. Edi’s family carefully considered various treatment options. In the end, they decided to undergo nuclear ablation therapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri in Indonesia, without having to travel overseas.
“For me, if someone has cancer, we already have hospitals in Indonesia, especially when it comes to ablation therapy. It’s much more affordable here, and the facilities are just as good. If ablation is needed, I would still choose Mandaya. I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” said the patient’s wife.
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It Started with Severe Back Pain, Then They Discovered the Thyroid Cancer Had Spread to the Bones
According to his wife, the first symptom appeared in March 2022 when Mr. Edi began experiencing pain in his lower back and upper back. Initially, he consulted a neurosurgeon and received medication to relieve the discomfort.
However, after one week, the pain did not improve. His doctor then recommended an MRI scan to determine the cause of the symptoms.
The MRI results revealed signs of malignancy. To identify the primary source of the cancer, he underwent a PET Scan in early July 2022.
The PET Scan confirmed that he had papillary thyroid cancer. Additional CT Scan and MRI examinations showed that the cancer had metastasized throughout his skeletal system. This caused severe pain and extensive bone deterioration due to cancer invasion, significantly limiting his daily activities.
The pain was so intense that he could not sleep lying flat and had to rest in a semi-upright position. At one point, he required a 47-day hospital stay solely for pain management.
Because the cancer lesions were widespread throughout the bones, spinal surgery was considered high-risk. His doctors subsequently recommended ablation therapy as part of his cancer treatment plan.
What Is Nuclear Ablation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer?
Radioactive Iodine-131 (RAI) Thyroid Ablation Therapy is a nuclear medicine treatment designed to reduce or destroy abnormal thyroid tissue, including tissue affected by hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Through this treatment, both benign and malignant thyroid disorders can be managed without the need for surgery.
The thyroid ablation process is relatively simple and includes the following steps:
- Patients are asked to take radioactive iodine-131 in liquid or capsule form. The substance is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making the process similar to taking regular medication.
- After receiving the treatment, patients stay in a specialized isolation room for approximately three to five days, depending on the prescribed dose. This precaution helps prevent radiation exposure to others while the radioactive material remains active in the body.
During their stay in Mandaya’s isolation facilities, patients can enjoy various amenities, including a 55-inch Smart TV, coffee and tea maker, microwave, and refrigerator, ensuring a comfortable recovery experience.
Choosing Nuclear Ablation Therapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri Instead of Going Overseas
While researching ablation therapy options, the patient’s family discovered the nuclear medicine services available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Before making a decision, his wife personally visited the hospital to evaluate its facilities and services.
According to her, one of the key factors was the hospital’s ability to care for patients with mobility limitations caused by cancer that had spread to the bones.
The first ablation treatment was performed on December 14, 2022. At that time, the patient’s thyroglobulin level was above 5,000. Three months later, follow-up testing showed a significant reduction to 792.
Although the level later increased again, he underwent a second ablation treatment on June 27, 2023. Three months after the second procedure, his thyroglobulin level decreased further to 423.
The patient was treated by dr. Eko Purnomo, Sp.KNTM (K) Onk, a nuclear medicine specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
The family stated that they felt comfortable throughout the treatment process due to the detailed explanations and continuous support provided by the medical team.
Improved Condition After Ablation Therapy: Back to Daily Activities and More Confident in Indonesian Healthcare
The patient’s condition began to improve after undergoing nuclear ablation therapy. Before treatment, he relied on a walker because of pain and physical weakness.
Following treatment, his physical abilities gradually returned, allowing him to walk independently without assistive devices. He was even able to complete a long-distance road trip from Jakarta to Surabaya.
His family also reported that he experienced virtually no side effects from the ablation therapy. There were no complaints of nausea or other symptoms that interfered with daily life.
This experience reinforced their belief that cancer treatment services in Indonesia can provide excellent standards of care. In their view, the medical facilities, technology, and expertise of doctors at certain Indonesian hospitals are on par with those found abroad.
In addition to avoiding long-distance travel, patients and families can communicate directly with doctors in Indonesian, making consultations and medical decision-making easier to understand.
For Mr. Edi’s family, the availability of nuclear ablation therapy in Indonesia—particularly at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri—was a compelling reason to pursue treatment domestically. They believe cancer patients now have access to advanced medical technology, highly qualified physicians, and comfortable healthcare facilities without the added expense of seeking treatment overseas.
Profile of dr. Eko: Experienced Nuclear Medicine Specialist for Thyroid Cancer Ablation Therapy
dr. Eko Purnomo, Sp.KNTM (K) Onk is a nuclear medicine and molecular therapy specialist with a subspecialty in oncology. He has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various cancers and thyroid disorders. His services include thyroid ablation therapy, hyperthyroidism treatment, thyroid cancer therapy, prostate cancer therapy, and diagnostic procedures such as PET Scan, Whole Body Scan, Bone Scan, and Renography.
Dr. Eko earned his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia in Jakarta. He then completed his Nuclear Medicine specialization at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung. Through his education and professional experience, he focuses on helping patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans tailored to their individual conditions.
Patients can consult dr. Eko Purnomo, Sp.KNTM (K) Onk at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri during the following hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter mobile application available on Google Play and the App Store. These services help patients schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access additional information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational and general informational purposes only and may not reflect all medical services performed by each physician. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition, please consult directly with the relevant doctor.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
