Biomarkers guide the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer with immunotherapy

Hanoi Medical University recently coordinated with MSD Vietnam to organize a scientific conference with the theme "Biomarkers guiding the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer with immunotherapy", attracting the attention of many leading experts at home and abroad.

Experts discussed at the workshop

The forum aims to discuss and share scientific advances in the application of biomarkers to optimize immunotherapy in cancer treatment, especially gastrointestinal cancers.

According to Professor Sung Hak Lee, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, South Korea, in patients with locally advanced, inoperable, recurrent, or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, evaluating the PD-L1 biomarker (a protein found on the cell surface) is crucial to help clinicians determine appropriate treatment. In addition, HER2 expression (a protein that controls the growth and development of healthy cells) should also be seriously considered in patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic cancer to determine suitability for specific immunotherapy regimens.

At the same time, all newly diagnosed gastric cancer patients should undergo MSI testing (genetic testing on tumor samples) by PCR or NGS (next generation sequencing), or MMR status assessment by IHC (immunohistochemistry), to support personalized treatment strategy orientation and optimize treatment efficacy.

Dr. Phan Trong Giao, Medical Director of MSD Vietnam, shared this at the conference.

At the workshop, experts also emphasized the role of close coordination between clinicians and pathologists and pointed out factors contributing to incorrect test results, helping doctors optimize the sample collection process and identify key points in processing and analysis.

Consequently, the capabilities of pathologists and therapists are enhanced, helping patients receive the most optimal treatment regimens. Numerous studies have shown that immunotherapy is making significant progress, particularly in gastrointestinal cancers, offering hope to many patients worldwide .

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Quoc Dat, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the research and application of biomarkers in cancer treatment not only brings better life chances for patients but also helps the health system use resources more effectively. According to Dr. Phan Trong Giao, Medical Director of MSD Vietnam, the ideas and practical solutions that will be shared at the conference will help improve understanding and open up many new treatment opportunities, helping to improve the lives of Vietnamese cancer patients.

THANH SON

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dau-an-sinh-hoc-dinh-huong-dieu-tri-ung-thu-duong-tieu-hoa-voi-lieu-phap-mien-dich-post811435.html