Singer’s rare benign spinal tumour kept at bay with proton beam therapy
Singer Hasyima Yusof was diagnosed with a rare spinal ependymoma tumour that recurred multiple times, causing severe pain and mobility issues despite surgeries. Proton beam therapy at NCCS offered a precise, less harmful treatment alternative, preserving her neurological …
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Singer Hasyima Yusof was diagnosed with a rare spinal ependymoma tumour that recurred multiple times, causing severe pain and mobility issues. Proton beam therapy at NCCS offered a precise, less harmful treatment alternative, preserving her neurological function and reducing side effects.
Hasyima Yusof, a singer, had a rare tumour in her spine that kept coming back. She tried surgery, but it didn't work. Then, she tried a special kind of radiation called proton beam therapy, which helped shrink the tumour and make her feel better.
Analysis
A Rare and Devastating Diagnosis
Hasyima Yusof, a singer and content creator, was diagnosed with a rare spinal ependymoma tumour at the age of 20. The tumour, which develops from the cells lining the spinal cord, is a very rare condition that affects about one in 350,000 people. In Singapore, fewer than five new cases are diagnosed each year. Despite being classified as benign, the tumour can still cause serious neurological issues by pressing on the spinal cord.
The Recurrence of the Tumour
Hasyima underwent several surgeries to remove the tumour, but it recurred multiple times, causing severe pain and mobility issues. The numbness in her legs persisted, and she started experiencing fatigue and frequent bouts of excruciating back pain. It was during a routine check-up that scans showed the tumour had recurred for a third time. Hasyima was hesitant to go for another surgery, especially since she and her husband were trying to get pregnant.
Turning to Proton Therapy
There was, however, an alternative treatment for Hasyima. Her first neurosurgeon told her about using proton beam therapy to shrink the tumour, but at that time, the therapy was available only in Japan. To be treated, they would have had to uproot and move there. Hasyima was also concerned about the high cost, which would have depleted her family's savings. By 2025, her condition had worsened, making it increasingly difficult for her to walk or get out of bed. She even had to use a wheelchair to get around. This time, MRI scans showed the tumour was 23cm long and intertwined with the spinal cord, making it hard to remove completely through surgery.
Proton Beam Therapy at NCCS
Hasyima sought a second opinion at NCCS, which was offering proton beam therapy. The Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre at NCCS opened in 2023, supported by a $50 million gift from the Goh Foundation. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, proton beams can be tailored to stop within the tumour without an exit dose, allowing radiation to be delivered more precisely to the tumour. It also minimises radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues. Hasyima underwent proton beam therapy at NCCS, which offered a precise, less harmful treatment alternative, preserving her neurological function and reducing side effects.
Key points
- Hasyima Yusof was diagnosed with a rare spinal ependymoma tumour at the age of 20.
- The tumour recurred multiple times, causing severe pain and mobility issues.
- Hasyima underwent proton beam therapy at NCCS, which offered a precise, less harmful treatment alternative.
- The Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre at NCCS opened in 2023, supported by a $50 million gift from the Goh Foundation.
Hasyima's story offers hope for those with rare spinal tumours. With the availability of proton beam therapy at NCCS, patients can now receive a precise and less harmful treatment alternative, preserving their neurological function and reducing side effects.
The recurrence of the tumour and the difficulty in removing it completely through surgery highlight the challenges of treating rare spinal tumours. However, the availability of proton beam therapy at NCCS offers a new hope for patients with this condition.
