Scientific workshop held on use of EOB-MRI for diagnosing and treating hepatobiliary diseases

The "The Role of MRI with Specific Contrast Agents in Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases" workshop delved into the latest research regarding the utilization of MRI with an EOB contrast agent (EOB-MRI) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases, notably hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), featuring practical insights and viewpoints from interventional radiologists.

The conference featured presentations from 10 medical experts in surgery and diagnostic imaging, both domestic and international. Photo by Hai Dang

The workshop, held at the University Medical Center HCMC, attracted over 150 hepatobiliary specialists.

Ten leading experts in surgery and medical imaging, both domestic and international, delivered presentations on nine key topics.

Associate Professor Dr. Junrungsee Sunhawit from Chiang Mai University highlighted how EOB-MRI significantly enhances surgical planning, leading to improved treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients with HCC.

Professor Dr. Jeong Min Lee from Seoul National University Hospital underscored how EOB-MRI's advanced imaging capabilities facilitate precise prognostication and management of HCC, demonstrating its positive impact on patient care.

Other experts from the Department of Radiology at the University Medical Center shared their extensive experience on optimizing the application of EOB-MRI in practice.

They emphasized the technology's effectiveness in early-stage screening, diagnosis, and monitoring disease progression to tailor treatment plans, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and early consultations to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment costs.

Experts from the Department of Radiology at the University Medical Center shared their extensive experience on optimizing the application of EOB-MRI in practice. Photo by Hai Dang

"We believe that everyone deserves clear answers about their health," said YeWon Kwak, Country Head, Radiology, Bayer Vietnam. "We are committed to advancing radiology innovation and empowering medical experts with cutting-edge tools for precise diagnoses, optimizing care."

"By coming together in collaborative efforts like this workshop, we highlight our mutual aim to advance healthcare excellence daily through pioneering approaches, facilitating improved patient outcomes," YeWon added.

According to the Globocan 2022 report by the Global Cancer Organization, liver cancer is the second most common cancer in Vietnam, with over 24,500 new cases, and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with more than 23,300 deaths annually. Of these, 90% are HCC cases.

The high prevalence of HCC is notably linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which remain a significant health concern in the region.

This scientific workshop offers valuable insights in the context of the rising incidence of hepatobiliary diseases, updating the latest scientific advancements in EOB-MRI to help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and adjust treatment protocols optimally and timely for HCC patients.

EOB-MRI provides specific physiological information on tissues, characterizes liver lesions, and offers more precise lesion assessments compared to existing methods.

The guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, issued in conjunction by the Ministry of Health, state that MRI with hepatobiliary-specific contrast agents exhibits higher sensitivity compared to dynamic computed tomography and MRI employing other contrast agents.

They recommend the use of EOB-MRI to enhance the diagnostic capability for HCC.

Speaking at the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Vo Tan Duc, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the University Medical Center HCMC, stated that diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role at the frontline of care and treatment, particularly in the management, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hepatobiliary diseases.

Associate Professor Dr. Vo Tan Duc, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the University Medical Center HCMC. Photo by Hai Dang

By enabling screening and early and precise diagnosis, medical professionals can offer timely and tailored treatment plans for patients.

Among the array of non-invasive diagnostic techniques, the EOB-MRI solution stands out as an advanced imaging tool, furnishing valuable insights into the morphology and function of hepatobiliary lesions.

Recognized in the Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines of major hepatobiliary associations globally, EOB-MRI, despite being utilized in numerous leading hospitals nationwide, still lacks widespread and systematic application in hepatobiliary disease management.

This workshop aims to facilitate knowledge updates and foster consensus among hepatobiliary disease experts regarding the role of EOB-MRI within Vietnam's healthcare landscape.

"The ultimate goal is to align practices with international guidelines for the management, diagnosis, and treatment of liver tumors, both regionally and globally," Duc added.

On the other hand, Fabian Martin Singer, General Manager of Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, echoed this sentiment, stating, "At Siemens Healthineers, one of our visions is to create a world free from the fear of cancer."

The company does this by leveraging their strengths to make significant strides in cancer care and healthcare overall, accelerating the journey from diagnosis to survivorship in one unified step.

"This workshop marks a new chapter in our collaboration with our strategic partners, UMC and Bayer, as we work together to enhance the quality of care in Vietnam," he said.

By providing advanced technology and expertise, Siemens Healthineers Vietnam aims to elevate the standard of cancer care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment.

Siemens Healthineers is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions, and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70.

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition.

In line with its mission, "Health for all, Hunger for none," the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population.