The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City has etched its name in Philippine medical history by accomplishing two groundbreaking procedures within a mere two-day span. This remarkable feat underscores the institution's growing prowess in delivering advanced neurosurgical and radiological care to the people of Mindanao.
Historic Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for XDP
On February 7, 2026, SPMC's Institute of Clinical Neurosciences performed Mindanao's first-ever Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The patient was diagnosed with X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP), a condition colloquially known as Lubag. This rare neurological disorder is uniquely prevalent among Filipinos, with genetic roots often traced back to Panay Island.
Understanding XDP and Its Genetic Basis
XDP primarily affects male Filipinos due to its genetic inheritance pattern. The disorder stems from a mutation in the TAF1 gene located on the X chromosome. Since men possess one X and one Y chromosome (XY), inheriting the faulty X gene leads to symptom manifestation, as there is no second X to compensate. In contrast, women, with two X chromosomes (XX), typically remain carriers without developing symptoms, as the healthy X can offset the defective one.
The DBS procedure utilized a state-of-the-art Medtronic deep-brain stimulation system, marking the first time such equipment has been employed for DBS surgery in the Philippines. Dr. Jose Nicanor Del Rosario III, chairperson of the Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, likened the process to implanting a "pacemaker in the brain." He elaborated, "You place electrodes into the deep brain regions to modulate dysfunctional neural circuits, offering hope for symptom management."
Collaborative Effort and Advanced Technology
This milestone was achieved through a partnership with the Cardinal Santos Medical Center Brain and Spine Center. The surgical team included Dr. Jose Aguilar, Dr. Theodor Vesagas, Dr. Levi Maliwat, and SPMC's own Dr. Joselv Albano. Support was provided by movement disorder specialist Dr. Alfand Marl Dy-Closas, neuro-anesthesiologist Dr. Ma. Andriane Colina, and neurology colleagues from Cardinal Santos.
Notably, the Medtronic system used has garnered international acclaim, being featured among TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025. This achievement highlights SPMC's commitment to integrating world-class technology for treating rare conditions like XDP, bringing specialized care closer to Mindanao residents.
Pioneering Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Cutting-Edge Equipment
Just two days later, on February 9, 2026, SPMC's Department of Radiological and Imaging Sciences reached another milestone. The team performed its first-ever Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) using the advanced Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator. The procedure targeted a male patient with a meningioma of unknown grade.
Precision Radiation Therapy Explained
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) represent highly precise, image-guided techniques. They deliver concentrated high-dose radiation to tumors, commonly in the brain, spine, lungs, or liver, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Dr. John Paul Abrina, a radiation oncologist at SPMC, clarified that SRS differs fundamentally from traditional surgery. "There is no knife involved," he stated. "It's ideal for small tumors, generally under three centimeters, allowing precise radiation delivery that spares normal tissues and reduces side effects compared to conventional methods."
A First for Government Hospitals
Dr. Maria Lourdes B. Lacanilao, chairperson of the Radiation Oncology Section, revealed that SPMC is the first government hospital in the Philippines to perform SRS with the Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator. This accomplishment places SPMC ahead of even the Philippine General Hospital, the nation's premier government medical center.
The availability of this technology traces back to initiatives during former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. Dr. Lacanilao credited former SPMC chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega, who served as a health undersecretary, for facilitating the acquisition. The Elekta machine is housed in a specialized bunker at SPMC's Cancer Diagnostic Institute Building, constructed during Duterte's term.
Teamwork and Future Vision
The successful SRS procedure involved a multidisciplinary team, including consultants Dr. Faiqha T. Bagis and Dr. Cyrus B. Estera, medical physicist Jonathan D. Corpus, radiation therapists led by Realina B. Archival, and nursing staff headed by Christine Hannah P. Guarra. Dr. Lacanilao and Dr. Abrina also expressed gratitude to SPMC chief Dr. Ricardo Audan for his unwavering support.
With these dual achievements, SPMC's Department of Radiological and Imaging Sciences moves closer to realizing its vision of becoming a leader in superior radiation treatments using cutting-edge technology. These milestones not only enhance healthcare accessibility in Mindanao but also position SPMC as a beacon of medical innovation in the Philippines.
