Jakarta – Another big step has been made by the Indonesian academic and health world. In an open session held by Pancasila University’s Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Study Program, dr. Manuel Hutapea, Sp.OG, Subsp.Onk., officially earned his Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences degree. He became the 22nd graduate of this doctoral program, as well as making achievements as a leading practitioner and academician in the field of gynecological oncology.
His dissertation entitled “Characteristics of Lymphocyte Subpopulations, Biomarkers (Micronuclei, P53 SNP) in Ovarian Cancer Patients, and the Effect of Sea Cucumber (Stichopus vastus) Ethyl Acetate Fraction on CD4+, CD8+ Concentrations, and Gamma-H2AX Expression, Caspase-3 Apoptosis in T Lymphocyte Cells as a Representative of Immune Response” explores the potential of Indonesian sea cucumber fraction as an immunoadjuvant in ovarian cancer therapy. This research is a new milestone in the development of immune response-based therapy using natural resources, especially Indonesia’s maritime wealth.
Mentored by a team of experts consisting of Prof. Dr. apt. Syamsudin, M.Biomed., Drs. Iin Kurnia, M.Biomed., Ph.D., and Dr. Miswar Fattah, M.Si., this research proves that the ethyl acetate fraction of Stichopus vastus is able to increase the concentration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, which play an important role in killing cancer cells. Remarkably, this therapy does not cause toxic effects on the immune system, making it a step forward in the development of safe and effective cancer therapy. This discovery offers great hope for ovarian cancer patients, especially in Indonesia, who need more affordable treatment alternatives.
dr. Manuel, who is also known as the Head of the Cancer Treatment Team at RSUD Dr. Soedarso, Pontianak, and Chairman of the West Kalimantan Branch of the Indonesian Oncology Association (POI), has a big vision to apply his research results in the real world. He hopes his research can be the basis for better cancer therapy innovations. With this degree, she strengthens her commitment to continue contributing to the world of health, especially in gynecological cancer management in Indonesia.
