Vietnam has more than 24,000 new cases of lung cancer each year.

Hanoi Medical University has recently coordinated with MSD Vietnam to organize a series of scientific seminars on “Long-term survival expectations for patients with advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with immunotherapy” in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, gathering nearly 400 medical experts from across the country.

In her opening speech, Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Nguyen Thi Thai Hoa, Head of Internal Medicine Department 2, K Hospital, stated that lung cancer is currently one of the major medical challenges in Vietnam, with more than 24,000 new cases each year and about 75% are diagnosed at a late stage (according to GLOBOCAN 2022). The emergence of immunotherapy has changed the treatment approach, especially in cases where surgery is no longer possible.

Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Nguyen Thi Thai Hoa, Head of Internal Medicine Department 2, K Hospital shared at the conference

At the workshop, domestic and foreign experts, including Professor Balazs Halmos, Montefiore Einstein Specialized Cancer Center, USA and Associate Professor Jung-Seop Eom, Pusan ​​National University Hospital, Busan, Korea, shared 10-year practical data on the long-term effectiveness of immunotherapy in advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

International studies and treatment experience in many countries with developed healthcare systems confirm that this therapy brings clear benefits not only to patients with positive PD-L1 (transmembrane protein) but also to the group that does not express PD-L1, helping doctors feel more confident in developing appropriate treatment strategies for each patient.

Dr. Phan Trong Giao shared at the conference

According to Dr. Phan Trong Giao, Medical Director of MSD Vietnam, for nearly a decade, immunotherapy pioneered by MSD in Vietnam has not only helped prolong life but also significantly improved the quality of life for patients, thereby contributing positively to the effectiveness of treatment at cancer treatment facilities nationwide.

At the same time, he emphasized that he will always accompany patients and hopes that immunotherapy will soon be included in the payment list of Health Insurance so that more and more Vietnamese patients can have sustainable access to this advanced method, reducing the cost burden and opening up more life opportunities.

THANH SON

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/viet-nam-co-hon-24000-ca-mac-ung-thu-phoi-moi-moi-nam-post813068.html