The Oncidium foundation announced on its official website the introduction of new ambassadors from Bangladesh, Egypt, and Vietnam. Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Cam Phuong is the first and currently the only Vietnamese representative within the foundation's ambassador network.
The Oncidium foundation is an international non-profit organization based in Belgium. It focuses on promoting access to precise nuclear medicine methods, including targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) and radioligand therapy (RLT). These methods operate on the principle of delivering radioactive substances, attached to molecules capable of recognizing cancer cells, directly to the lesion site.
The foundation currently has over 140 expert ambassadors across 63 countries, connecting more than 800 treatment centers worldwide that utilize targeted radionuclide therapies.
Associate Professor Phuong has dedicated nearly 20 years to the field of oncology. She graduated from Hanoi Medical University in 2001, completing her residency program in oncology in Vietnam and France. In 2013, she earned her doctoral degree, and in 2018, she was appointed associate professor. At Bach Mai hospital, Associate Professor Phuong and her colleagues have implemented various techniques in cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as PET/CT, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and gene testing.
Associate Professor Phuong highlighted the growing importance of nuclear medicine in treating certain cancers. Unlike traditional treatments with a broad impact, targeted radionuclide therapy aims to deliver radiation specifically to cells with appropriate molecular targets. The selection of the right patient and radiopharmaceutical depends on the tumor's biological characteristics, imaging diagnosis results, and a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition.
Beyond her professional duties, Associate Professor Phuong actively participates in cancer screening programs for women in disadvantaged areas. She previously received the Dang Thuy Tram award, presented by the Hanoi Youth Union.
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Associate professor, doctor Pham Cam Phuong, director of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology. *Photo: Bach Mai hospital* |
Associate Professor, Doctor Dao Xuan Co, director of Bach Mai hospital, stated that Associate Professor Phuong's involvement in the Oncidium foundation's ambassador network establishes an additional channel for domestic experts to connect with the international nuclear medicine community. Vietnam's representation in this network is expected to create a bridge for advancements in nuclear medicine, particularly targeted radionuclide therapies, to be updated and more widely adopted in domestic cancer treatment practices.
The Oncidium foundation's goal is to support countries, especially those with limited resources, in expanding access to advanced nuclear medicine therapies. Through programs like RLT-Connect, the foundation connects treatment centers, experts, and international resources. It also aims to provide radiopharmaceutical support for some patients whose high-tech treatment costs are not fully covered by insurance.
Le Nga
