The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Lê Văn Quảng, Director of K Hospitaland Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam. — Photo courtesy of the hospital

HÀ NỘI — K (Cancer) Hospital and AstraZeneca Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a focus on promoting research and development and improving cancer treatment quality in Việt Nam.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022, an estimated 180,480 new cancer cases and 120,184 cancer deaths are expected in Việt Nam. Breast cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer are the leading types of cancer, with incidence and mortality rates increasing annually. This situation necessitates the acceleration of cancer diagnosis and treatment quality improvement efforts.

In this context, the collaboration program between AstraZeneca Vietnam and K Hospital will aim to accelerate the hospital's scientific research and international integration services. It will also help enhance the quality of cancer treatment for patients in the northern provinces and across the country and aspire to make cancer no longer a leading cause of death in Việt Nam.

Professor Lê Văn Quảng, Director of K Hospital, said: “We highly appreciate the cooperation of AstraZeneca and hope that in the future, the two organisations will have more extensive and in-depth activities in the fields of scientific research, clinical research centre development, training and international cooperation, community communication, education and support for cancer patients. Together, I believe that this cooperation, built on a patient-centric approach, will yield significant and lasting benefits for patients and contribute not only to the advancement of oncology but also to the overall development of the Vietnamese healthcare sector."

The collaboration will focus on the following key research and development activities: Strategic collaboration in conducting clinical trials in oncology; establishing and developing a network/centre for innovation, digital transformation, research and application of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare; and Conduct epidemiological and cancer registry research.

The two sides will also collaborate on establishing and implementing scientific research, training and international cooperation programmes, promoting comprehensive healthcare coordination programmes for cancer patients and supporting patients in increasing access to advanced treatment drugs.

Along with research and development activities, AstraZeneca and K Hospital will also prioritise promoting health equity through plan and developing a national cancer prevention network; and co-implementing the 'Love your Lungs' programme to raise awareness for early detection of lung cancer in the community.

Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, said at the signing ceremony: "I am deeply grateful and proud of the achievements we have made through strategic partnership between AstraZeneca and K Hospital. The unwavering commitment to comprehensive collaboration spanning diagnosis – treatment - holistic care for cancer patients over the years has been continuously enhanced. It has yielded demonstrably enhanced treatment outcomes compared to previous times. Looking towards the future, I am confident that we will continue to create significant advancements in cancer treatment practices and transform the patient journey. Ultimately achieving health equity for everyone in the country, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for Việt Nam.”— VNS