Understanding the Types of Kidney Diseases and Treatment Options for Indonesian Patients

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JAKARTA - Almost half of kidney cancer cases in Indonesia are only detected when they have entered the advanced stage, a condition that makes treatment options very limited. More than just numbers, this fact highlights the greater challenge where there is a significant gap between the diagnostic technology currently available and the low awareness of the importance of kidney health.

From Early Detection to Cancer Signals in the Blood

Kidney disease has a broad spectrum - from kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, to kidney failure and cancer - requiring a more integrated approach to treatment. Currently, the trend of handling is increasingly shifting from merely reactive treatment to prevention and early detection, including through lifestyle changes and the use of more advanced diagnostic technologies.

Recent medical advances have made it possible to detect cancer risk even before symptoms appear. Some of these innovations include genetic or DNA-based tests, as well as Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests that are able to track cancer signals in the blood long before physical symptoms arise. This innovation allows for much earlier medical interventions, especially for those who are at high risk of cancer.

"If detected early, kidney cancer is very treatable and has a high cure rate. This shows how important it is to have regular check-ups and proper medical imaging (imaging) when symptoms or risk factors appear," said Dr. Tanujaa Rajasekaran, Medical Oncology Specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. "Through genetic screening and DNA tests such as MCED, we can not only detect cancer risk much earlier, but also design a precision treatment program that specifically targets tumor cell mutations in each patient.

"Although the diagnosis of kidney cancer can be frightening, the current treatment results are much better. Many cases of early stage cancer can be cured and can be effectively controlled with innovative therapies such as immunotherapy. Even for cases of kidney cancer that have spread (metastasis), treatment methods have developed rapidly - where modern immunotherapy and target therapy have expanded our treatment options, and in certain cases of patients, these treatments provide the opportunity for long-term remission to complete recovery," added Dr. Tanujaa.

A More Personalized Approach to Treatment

Methods of treating kidney disease have also evolved rapidly. Now, treatment is no longer using a one-size-fits-all approach (one method for all patients). Instead, medical treatment is increasingly tailored to the specific conditions of each patient, and specifically in the case of cancer, treatment is also directed based on the genetic profile of the tumor.

At Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, which is part of the multinational network of IHH Healthcare, this approach is reflected through a wide range of treatment options that specifically address different types and stages of kidney disease:

Treatment of Kidney Stones & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Prioritizing minimally invasive procedures, such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to treat kidney stones, combined with integrated medical management to slow down the worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Kidney Failure & Transplant Care: state-of-the-art dialysis (blood washing) services and comprehensive Kidney Transplant programs, supported by food safety education and strict post-operative diet management.

Precision Medicine for Cancer: The application of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy specifically designed based on the patient's tumor DNA profile. This method can be combined with robotic surgery (nephron-sparing surgery) which is able to remove cancer while maintaining the function of healthy kidney tissue.

"Our approach to kidney disease covers the entire spectrum of the organ's conditions, not just sticking to one diagnosis. We realize that the spectrum of kidney disorders requires very integrated treatment, where early screening plays a crucial role," said Dr. Lye Wai Choong, Nephrologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

"By providing a comprehensive care ecosystem - from lifestyle and dietary management, minimally invasive procedures, dialysis services (blood washing), to transplantation programs - we ensure that every patient from Indonesia receives a continuous and personalized care flow to support their long-term recovery journey," added Dr. Lye Wai Choong.