Clinical trials record advances in investigating lung cancer in Vietnam

Esteemed guests included Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Acting Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Training under the Ministry of Health, leaders of K Hospital and other leading lung cancer treatment hospitals, and representatives from AstraZeneca.

The conference, first organized by AstraZeneca and K Hospital, aimed to promote the exchange and sharing of experiences in lung cancer research practices in Vietnam and internationally, ultimately aiming to improve the capacity of clinical trial research at hospitals.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Deputy Minister of Health, speaks at the conference. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

According to experts, clinical trials play a critical role in developing new treatment solutions and medicines. These trials not only contribute to improving treatment practices but also directly impact human health.

AstraZeneca is actively involved in Vietnam, conducting studies with over 6,500 patients across various diseases.

A significant focus lies on non-communicable diseases like lung cancer, which has the highest new case rate globally and ranks third in Vietnam.

"We have witnessed remarkable progress, from traditional chemotherapy methods to targeted drugs and advanced immunotherapies. These achievements not only improve treatment efficacy but also bring hope to many patients," Huong said at the conference.

With the support of the Ministry of Health, the commitment of medical experts, the active and high-quality participation of hospitals/research institutions, and the cooperation of international research organizations, the deputy minister believes that research institutions will participate in more clinical trials, especially international and multi-center studies, to contribute to the improvements in community healthcare.

Over the years, many hospitals in Vietnam have passed the stringent evaluation procedures of large pharmaceutical companies, medical management agencies and organizations, and reputable clinical trial management organizations.

These hospitals demonstrate not only the capacity to recruit patients effectively but also a commitment to high-quality research data and adherence to good clinical practice and ethical principles in biomedical research.

Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Acting Director of the Administration of Science, Technology, and Training, makes a speech at the conference. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Acting Director of the Administration of Science, Technology, and Training, praised the collaboration and exchange of experiences between Vietnamese medical units and international organizations in clinical trials.

"The rapid increase in clinical trials in Vietnam is a testament to the dedication and commitment of scientists, doctors, and the entire healthcare system. This growth is a beacon of our potential and aspirations for progress in the medical field, reflecting a healthcare system that is growing strong and ready to integrate and compete with the region and the world," said Quang.

The conference showcased numerous studies conducted in Vietnam with significant results, marking significant advancements in lung cancer treatment and cancer prevention in general. It also provided updates on pivotal clinical trial findings recently presented at major international conferences.

These research findings are poised to revolutionize the clinical practice of lung cancer treatment.

A prime example is the ADAURA study on early-stage lung cancer patients, in which Vietnam has been involved since 2015.

The Phase III study is the first to demonstrate the benefits of osimertinib in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) in the early-stage lung cancer patient population.

For example, data updated in January 2023 revealed a median DFS of 65.8 months compared to 28.1 months in the placebo group.

A prime example is the ADAURA study on patients with resected epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer, in which Vietnam has participated since 2015.

This was the first global Phase III study to demonstrate the benefit of a third-generation TKI on overall survival, as well as progression-free survival (PFS), in the EGFR-positive, post-surgical non-small cell lung cancer patient, compared to placebo.

Dr. Do Anh Tu, Deputy Director, K Hospital. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

According to Professor Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital, among the numerous clinical trials conducted in Vietnam, the study on patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are not indicated for surgery was one of the studies presented at the recently concluded ASCO 2024 Conference in the United States.

The study's outcomes surpassed expectations, with a median PFS of 39.1 months, far exceeding the initial projections of only a few months.

"This remarkable achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts and dedication of researchers across various hospitals nationwide," Quang said.

Leaders from the Ministry of Health, the Department of Science, Technology, and Training, along with hospital leaders and researchers, gathered to reflect on the decades-long development of clinical trials in Vietnam.

They engaged in discussions centered on the challenges and solutions for improving clinical trial processes, implementation methods, and expanding the network of participating healthcare facilities across the country.

A representative from K Hospital acknowledged the challenges Vietnam faces in treating lung cancer due to economic constraints and barriers.He emphasized that the introduction of innovative medicines and advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic tools have significantly improved survival rates for late-stage lung cancer patients.

Whereas survival rates for such patients were previously measured in months, they can now be measured in years and even multiple years.

Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, said that the company has invested over US$70 million in clinical trials in Vietnam.

"Beyond innovative treatments, the company's bold ambition is to eliminate cancer, including lung cancer as a cause of death." Tandon said. "To achieve this goal, AstraZeneca is not only focusing on developing life-changing treatments but also on other crucial aspects such as raising disease awareness, strengthening prevention, early screening, diagnosis, and patient care."

Delegates and researchers participated at the conference. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca Vietnam

In 2023, AstraZeneca and the Ministry of Health signed a five-year strategic partnership to strengthen their bilateral relationship and promote comprehensive collaboration in research and development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, disease prevention and control, and the development of a sustainable healthcare system.