KUALA LUMPUR, 18 May 2026 – A research team from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi introduced an advanced organ-preservation oncology protocol at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2026, reflecting a growing shift towards patient-centred and function-preserving cancer treatment approaches.

Led by Dr. Ahmad Fakrurrozi Mohamad, the innovation known as HyBIRT (Hybrid Brachytherapy followed by Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) offers a precision-based radiotherapy approach for Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OTSCC), a condition often associated with aggressive surgery and long-term impairment of speech and swallowing functions.

Unlike conventional treatment pathways that rely heavily on tissue removal, HyBIRT introduces a treatment sequence designed to preserve the tongue while maintaining oncological control. The protocol begins with High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy (HDRIBT) delivered directly to the visible tumour before subsequent Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) targets surrounding lymphatic regions. This approach enhances treatment precision while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy oral structures.

The innovation addresses a major challenge in oral oncology, where concerns over post-surgical disability often led patients to delay or refuse treatment. By prioritising both survival outcomes and functional preservation, HyBIRT reflects an evolving philosophy in cancer care focused on quality of life alongside therapeutic effectiveness.

The project has also gained international recognition, receiving the Top Scoring Abstract Award at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 2025) and the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Asian Oncology Society (AOS 2025). In addition, USM’s recognition as a BrachyAcademy Educational Center further strengthens its role as a regional and international training hub for advanced brachytherapy techniques.

According to Dr. Ahmad Fakrurrozi Mohamad, modern oncology must prioritise both clinical outcomes and long-term patient wellbeing.

“Cancer management must evolve beyond the philosophy of removal alone. In oral oncology, preserving function is equally important in ensuring patients continue living with dignity and independence after treatment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, described the innovation as a strong reflection of USM’s commitment to impactful and patient-focused medical research.

“Innovations such as HyBIRT reflect the direction of future healthcare, where scientific advancement is not measured solely by clinical success, but also by the ability to preserve human dignity, function, and quality of life throughout the treatment journey,” he said.

The presentation of HyBIRT at ITEX 2026 reinforces USM’s growing contribution to global oncology research through innovations that combine technological precision, clinical excellence, and patient-centred care.

Source: Dr. Ahmad Fakrurrozi Mohamad, Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB), USM/Text: PrivinKumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM/Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @MPRC USM