Biomarkers guide gastrointestinal cancer treatment with immunotherapy

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

Experts discuss 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, Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea, in patients with locally advanced, unresectable, recurrent or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, the assessment of the PD-L1 biomarker (a protein on the cell surface) is important to help clinicians consider appropriate treatment indications. In addition, HER2 expression (a protein that controls the growth and development of healthy cells) also needs to be seriously considered in patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease to determine the suitability of each specific regimen with immunotherapy.

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 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.

Since then, the capacity of pathologists and therapists has been enhanced, helping patients receive the most optimal treatment regimen. Many evidences have been presented showing that immunotherapy is opening up a breakthrough, especially in gastrointestinal cancers, bringing hope to many patients around the world .

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 healthcare 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