To mark this occasion, MSD, in collaboration with K Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, organized a scientific workshop titled "A Decade of Companion with Thousands of Vietnamese Cancer Patients". The event, held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, brought together nearly 300 oncology experts and doctors nationwide to share real-world evidence from Vietnam on the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy over the past decade.

Doctor Diep Bao Tuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital and chair of the workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that after 10 years of collaboration with Vietnamese clinicians, the Ministry of Health-approved cancer immunotherapy has established an important role in treating various tumors. This is evident in outcomes such as extended survival for some lung cancer patients, landmark advancements in esophageal cancer treatment after more than four decades, and the establishment of a new approach combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer patients.

"I believe that in the near future, cancer patients in Vietnam will have increasing opportunities for full access to global medical advancements, thereby extending their lives and opening up hope for a cure," Doctor Tuan said.

Doctor Diep Bao Tuan affirmed the role of MSD's immunotherapy with impressive results in cancer treatment. *Photo: Le Tam*

At the workshop, clinical experiences and treatment data were presented by many leading oncology centers nationwide, offering a comprehensive overview of immunotherapy's application and treatment outcomes across various cancer types in Vietnam.

Real-world data from MSD's immunotherapy over the past 10 years was presented, attracting the attention of many medical experts. *Photo: Le Tam*

According to Associate Professor Doctor Do Anh Tu, Deputy Director of K Hospital, over the past decade, the Vietnamese medical community has observed many advancements in cancer treatment, including immunotherapy. MSD's developed immunotherapy has opened up additional treatment opportunities for thousands of patients and has gradually become a pillar in treating many cancer types due to its selective mechanism, sustained efficacy, ability to improve survival time, and applicability across various disease stages.

Doctor Jacquelyn Thomson, a Medical Oncologist at Peninsula University Hospital, discussed the journey of cancer immunotherapy, from a scientific breakthrough in research to widespread adoption in clinical practice, contributing to changing the lives of millions of cancer patients globally. She shared that MSD's cancer immunotherapy is now considered the fifth pillar of modern cancer treatment, with over 40 approved indications in 104 countries, based on large-scale clinical treatment studies.

According to Doctor Jacquelyn Thomson (second from left), MSD's immunotherapy is the fifth pillar of modern cancer treatment, with over 40 approved indications in 104 countries. *Photo: Le Tam*

Katharina Geppert, General Director of MSD Vietnam, stated that the workshop marked 10 years of MSD's cancer immunotherapy being used in treatment in Vietnam. With 27 approved indications for 13 cancer types, this therapy has benefited over 10,000 patients nationwide.

Katharina Geppert, General Director of MSD Vietnam, shared her wish for immunotherapy to be included in the health insurance coverage list soon. *Photo: Le Tam*

"MSD is ready to collaborate with hospitals to support patient access to treatment through programs that partially cover medication costs. Concurrently, we hope cancer immunotherapy will soon be included in the health insurance coverage list, aiming to expand access and alleviate the financial burden on patients," the General Director of MSD Vietnam added.

The Dan