K Hospital, AstraZeneca promote Vietnamese healthcare research

According to Globocan 2022, an estimated 180,480 new cancer cases and 120,184 cancer deaths are expected in Vietnam.

Breast cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer are the most common cancers in Vietnam, with incidence and mortality rates increasing annually.

This situation necessitates the acceleration of cancer diagnosis and treatment quality improvement efforts.

In this context, the collaboration program between AstraZeneca Vietnam and K Hospital aims to: accelerate the hospital’s scientific research and international integration; enhance the quality of cancer treatment for patients in the northern provinces and across the country; and aspire to make cancer no longer a leading cause of death in Vietnam.

The signing ceremony on June 26 was witnessed by both companies’ leaders and representatives. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

Combining the strengths of a K hospital, a central-level hospital, and the leading oncology department in the country with those of AstraZeneca, a leading pharmaceutical company with medical expertise from the U.K. and Sweden, where oncology is a key therapeutic area, the two parties will focus on key research and development activities, and strategic collaboration, in conducting clinical oncology trials.

They will also establish and develop a network or center for innovation, digital transformation, research, and the application of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

In addition, conducting epidemiological and cancer registry research, and collaborating on the establishment and implementation of scientific research, training, and international cooperation programs are also mentioned in the partnership.

And finally, the partners will collaborate to promote comprehensive healthcare coordination programs for cancer patients and support patients in increasing access to advanced treatment drugs.

In parallel with research and development activities, AstraZeneca and K Hospital will also prioritize promoting health equity through, developing a national cancer prevention network, and co-implementing the “Love Your Lungs” program to raise awareness for early detection of lung cancer in the community.

According to Prof. Dr. Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital, with an integrated and sustainable development strategy, K Hospital’s goal is to become a model hospital, leading in Vietnam and meeting international standards in cancer treatment.

The hospital highly appreciates the cooperation of AstraZeneca and hopes that in the future, the two organizations will have more extensive and in-depth activities in the fields of scientific research, clinical research center development, training and international cooperation, community communication, education, and support for cancer patients.

“Together, I believe that this cooperation, built on a ‘patient-centric’ approach, will yield significant and lasting benefits for patients and contribute not only to the advancement of oncology but also to the overall development of the Vietnamese healthcare sector,” he said.

Prof. Dr, Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital, said at the signing ceremony on June 26. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

Building on the success of their initial collaboration agreement signed in 2019, AstraZeneca and K Hospital have further solidified their strategic partnership through this new agreement.

This strengthened collaboration has led to the implementation of numerous clinical trials that adhere to rigorous global standards.

These trials have yielded significant results, as showcased at major international forums like the recent ASCO 2024 conference in the US.

Furthermore, the collaboration has demonstrably enhanced the clinical trial capabilities of hospitals and medical professionals.

This is evident in their ability to surpass the stringent investigations conducted by large pharmaceutical companies, medical regulatory bodies, and reputable clinical research management organizations (FDA, independent inspection units, et al).

Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, said at the signing ceremony that he was grateful and proud of the achievements both parties have made through the strategic partnership.

Over the years, the unwavering commitment to comprehensive collaboration spanning diagnosis, treatment, and holistic care for cancer patients has been continuously enhanced and has yielded demonstrably enhanced treatment outcomes compared to previous times.

Looking towards the future, he believes that the two organizations will continue to create significant advancements in cancer treatment practices and transform the patient journey.

“Ultimately achieving health equity for everyone in the country, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for Vietnam,” the leader said.

Atul Tandon, General Director AstraZeneca Viet Nam. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

Earlier in June, AstraZeneca and K Hospital successfully co-organized the “National Lung Cancer Investigator Meeting” to foster knowledge exchange in lung cancer research between Vietnamese and international experts.

This collaboration aims to strengthen clinical research capabilities in hospitals, earning recognition from the Deputy Minister of Health for its contribution to Vietnam’s healthcare advancement.

The conference exemplifies both entities’ commitment to R&D, particularly clinical trials, to discover new treatments and improve Vietnam and global cancer patient survival rates.