At the recent ESTRO Asia 2024 conference, Dr Basma M’Barek, Head of Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre at FV Hospital, and one of the leading experts in radiation therapy, had the opportunity to share insights into the development and implementation of brachytherapy techniques at FV Hospital. This advancement marks a significant step forward in enhancing cancer treatment quality in Vietnam. Additionally, four poster presentations, detailing the latest radiotherapy techniques used at FV Hospital were selected by the scientific committee for presentation at this event.

Dr Basma shared insights into the challenges and successes of introducing brachytherapy into practice, emphasising its critical role in treating cancers, particularly gynaecological and prostate cancers. This technique enables precise radiation targeting to optimise doses directly to the tumour while minimising impact on surrounding tissues, offering significant benefits for patients.

Brachytherapy is a highly precise and advanced treatment for cancer, yet its implementation presents significant challenges. Dr Basma shared how the team at FV Hospital underwent thorough preparation and specialised training to introduce this cutting-edge technique. To date, FV Hospital stands as the only private hospital in Vietnam equipped to offer brachytherapy.

Dr Basma M’Barek‘s team presented four poster presentations at the conference, which led to engaging discussions on the latest advancements in cancer radiation therapy:

• High dropout rates hinder the implementation of organ-preserving protocols for rectal cancer. This study paves the way for improving patient retention during treatment.
• Implementing reduced-dose radiation protocols has shown promising early results for prostate cancer patients, offering new hope in treatment.
• Patient education materials, including brochures and videos on breath-holding techniques, not only reduced anxiety but also shortened instruction time, improving patient understanding and involvement throughout the treatment process.
• Challenges in implementing hippocampal avoidance radiation therapy at cancer centres in Vietnam were also addressed, opening discussions on ways to improve and optimise radiation therapy processes.

Additionally, Dr Basma made a significant impact with her poster presentation accepted by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The ASTRO event is considered one of the most prestigious events in the field, drawing over 11,000 participants from more than 80 countries. Her presentation, titled “Peer Review as a Method for Improving and Harmonizing Treatment Plans in a Multinational Radiation Oncology Team,” highlights how peer review can elevate treatment quality. Through this achievement, Dr Basma proudly represented not only FV Hospital but also Vietnam on the global stage.

At FV Hospital, particularly in the radiation oncology department, Dr Basma noted the diverse training backgrounds of the physicists, which led to variations in treatment planning approaches. Peer review serves as a vital tool not only to minimise errors but also to help synchronise treatment quality across an international team.

The participation of Dr Basma and her team at the ESTRO Asia 2024 and ASTRO 2024 conferences not only affirms the position of the Hope Cancer Centre in the field of cancer radiation therapy but also opens up new avenues for enhancing healthcare quality for patients in Vietnam. It is hoped that the new proposals and ideas will be effectively applied, bringing significant benefits to the cancer patient community at FV and throughout Vietnam.