Hundreds of cancer patients receive free treatment with new generation drugs thanks to research

Doctor Phan Tan Thuan, head of the Oncology Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City, spoke at the seminar - Photo: T. PHAN

On May 20, at the seminar "Promoting innovation in Vietnam through clinical trials" organized by Pharma Group in collaboration with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Dr. Phan Tan Thuan, head of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, said that thanks to research at the hospital, hundreds of cancer patients have received free medical treatment.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital is implementing 36-37 clinical trials. These studies are in phase 3, so hundreds of patients have been treated with new generation drugs for free.

These drugs are not yet available in Vietnam and are very expensive, some cost up to 300 million VND per treatment cycle (3 - 4 weeks).

With a population of over 100 million people, Vietnam is considered by experts attending the seminar to have great potential for developing clinical research. Vietnam's diverse population structure is very suitable for studying complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases and metabolic conditions.

Besides opportunities, there are also many difficulties such as the lengthy approval process, including many steps, which can take up to 6-12 months, limited research infrastructure, only 40 facilities nationwide are certified with GCP (Good Clinical Practice), lack of specialized human resources; lack of structured financial mechanisms and no effective incentive policies to attract investment in this field.

Professor Guy Thwaites, Director of the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam, said: "We believe Vietnam can significantly enhance its clinical trial capacity by adopting international best practices, as demonstrated by examples from Taiwan, Brazil, Poland, Malaysia...

By simplifying regulatory processes, investing in advanced infrastructure, and fostering dynamic public-private partnerships, Vietnam is well on its way to meeting global standards for testing efficiency and data reliability.

This strategic adjustment not only promotes innovation in treatment research, but also positions Vietnam to become a regional hub for advanced life-saving treatments."

Comprehensive analysis of the current status of clinical research in Vietnam

At this seminar, the publication "Future roadmap of clinical trials in Vietnam" was launched.

This publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of clinical research in Vietnam, proposing feasible strategies to position Vietnam as one of the top three clinical trials and research and development destinations in ASEAN by 2030, by identifying opportunities, barriers and actions needed to unlock the potential of clinical research for economic and health impact.

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THUY DUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hang-tram-benh-nhan-ung-thu-duoc-dieu-tri-thuoc-the-he-moi-mien-phi-nho-nghien-cuu-20250520190331743.htm