UNAIR NEWS – Cancer prevention efforts in Indonesia continue to gain momentum through cross-sector collaboration. In a recent initiative, students from the Radiological Imaging Technology (TRP) Diploma 4 Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have teamed up with a hospital in Malang. This partnership centers on utilizing advanced radiotherapy technologies to treat nasopharyngeal cancer.
The initiative is designed to improve cancer care quality while providing TRP students with valuable clinical experience. The students are actively involved in the radiotherapy process—from treatment planning to implementation—under the supervision of seasoned medical professionals at the hospital.
Advancements in radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a key cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy malignant cells and shrink tumors. Technological innovations have enabled the development of highly precise radiotherapy equipment that targets cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Through this collaboration, UNAIR students are gaining hands-on experience with modern radiotherapy techniques such as Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). These methods, delivered using advanced linear accelerator (Linac) systems, allow for personalized treatment plans that enhance both safety and effectiveness.
Rizky Umarully, S.Tr.Kes (Rad), Head of the Radiotherapy Unit, expressed strong support for the collaboration. “We’re excited to welcome UNAIR students. This is a valuable opportunity to share our expertise in radiotherapy. They’ll learn how to operate sophisticated machines, conduct simulations, and help develop optimal radiation treatment plans,” he said.
Field experience for students
Meanwhile, Aisyah Widayani, S.T., M.T., a faculty advisor overseeing the internship program, highlighted the importance of real-world experience. “Our curriculum is built to produce skilled, workplace-ready radiologic technologists. This collaboration ensures our students not only understand the theory but also master practical applications of radiotherapy. It’s an essential investment in their future careers,” she explained.
Dinda Nuraini Fadilah, the student team leader from UNAIR TRP participating in the internship, shared her excitement. “Interning at the Malang hospital has been both enjoyable and highly beneficial. We’ve learned a lot about radiotherapy—from theory to practice—and experienced how medical teams work together to treat nasopharyngeal cancer. The learning environment here has been incredibly supportive,” she said.
This type of collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare facilities is expected to serve as a model for developing skilled health professionals, particularly in cancer care. By integrating advanced radiotherapy technologies with expert medical guidance, the hope is to improve cancer survival rates across Indonesia. “We’re optimistic that this partnership will continue to grow. Together, we aim to bring new hope to cancer patients throughout Indonesia,” Umarully concluded.
Author: TRP UNAIR
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
