RIZAL MED LEADS THE WAY IN ADVANCED BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS WITH ROLL TECHNIQUE!
by: Janelle Tang, MD
Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer, and Rizal Med is proud to announce a groundbreaking advancement in this mission! RizalMed is the first government hospital in the Philippines to successfully perform RADIO-GUIDED OCCULT LESION LOCALIZATION (ROLL) using radioisotopes.
This innovative nuclear medicine procedure offers a crucial solution for very small or hard-to-find breast lesions that are difficult to biopsy with conventional methods. Thanks to a collaborative effort between the expert Radiologists, Nuclear Medicine Physicians, and Surgeons, ROLL enables precise localization and removal of these tiny lesions, leading to earlier and more accurate breast cancer diagnoses and significantly improving patient outcomes. This pioneering step places Rizal Med alongside only two other hospitals in the country (The Medical City - Ortigas and St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City) in offering this cutting-edge technology, reinforcing the insitution’s commitment to accessible, world-class healthcare for all Filipinos.
This achievement underscores the vital importance of regular breast screening for individuals at risk. Early detection through screening procedures like mammography or ultrasound can identify potential issues when they are most treatable. At Rizal Med, everyone is encouraged to prioritize their breast health and consult with their doctor about appropriate screening schedules. With advanced techniques like ROLL, combined with proactive screening, RizalMed is making significant strides in ensuring better health and brighter futures for the community.
RizalMed Boosts Diagnostic Capabilities with Six New Radiology Machines
By Darwin Angcahan, RRT and Maria Viva Aquino, MD
Pasig City, Philippines - The Rizal Medical Center (Rizal Med) has significantly expanded its diagnostic imaging capabilities with the unveiling of six state-of-the-art machines in its Radiology Department. The new additions, include a 64-slice CT Scan machine, two digital c-arm machines, two digital radiography units (one with fluoroscopy), and an MRI-compatible anesthesia machine, aims to address the increasing need for advanced medical imaging services.
The official launch took place on April 22, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony led by Dr. Ruthanne Maducdoc, chair of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Science (DRIS).
Additionally, present during the event were Rizal Med’s top management — Dr. Maria Rica Lumague, Dr. Rodante Roldan, Mr. Samuel Raymundo, Ms. Marivilla Osorio, Special Bids and Award Committee (SBAC), and DRIS staff. In her keynote address, Dr. Maria Rica Lumague, Medical Center Chief II, emphasized the crucial role of teamwork in providing excellent patient care. She highlighted that the acquisition of these new machines was made possible through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
As a hospital under the Department of Health (DOH), Rizal Med's latest investment aligns with the DOH's 8-point action agenda. This agenda focuses on delivering safe and high-quality services, ensuring preparedness for pandemics and crises, and upholding the welfare and rights of healthcare workers—all vital components in the ongoing transformation of the Philippine health sector. The addition of these advanced imaging technologies will enhance Rizal Med's ability to provide timely and accurate diagnoses, ultimately benefiting the patients it serves.
A Beacon of Hope: TMC x RizalMed Collaborative Liver Transplant Program Offers New Life
A Beacon of Hope: TMC x RizalMed Collaborative Liver Transplant Program Offers New Life
By: M. Lumague MD, R. Barroso MD, & G. Leoncio
Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines - In a remarkable display of medical collaboration and innovation, a 14-month-old child suffering from biliary cirrhosis due to Biliary Atresia has become the first patient to undergo a liver transplant through the newly established Joint The Medical City (TMC) - Rizal Medical Center (RizalMed) Liver Transplant Program. The life-saving procedure took place at The Medical City, marking a significant milestone for both institutions and the future of pediatric liver transplantation in the region.
The transplant involved a living donation from the child's 32-year-old mother, highlighting the profound bond and sacrifice within the family. Adding to the groundbreaking nature of this case, the donor hepatectomy – the surgical removal of the left lobe of the mother's liver – was performed as the first fully robotic procedure of its kind at TMC. This advanced surgical technique offers potential benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery for the donor.
The success of this complex undertaking was a testament to the seamless collaboration between medical teams from both The Medical City and Rizal Medical Center. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, critical care specialists, and a dedicated team of operating room and intensive care unit nurses worked in unison, pooling their expertise and resources to ensure the best possible outcome for both the young patient and her mother.
While the journey to full recovery is ongoing, the child is currently reported to be stable, while the mother was discharged on the 3rd postoperative day - offering a beacon of hope to families facing similar challenges. This pioneering case underscores the potential of the Joint TMC-RizalMed Liver Transplant Program to provide life-saving treatment and bring renewed hope to patients with end-stage liver disease. The successful collaboration between the two hospitals signifies a major step forward in advancing specialized medical care in the Philippines.
