On May 18-19, 2023, Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre, FV Hospital, participated in the second Scientific Conference on Cancer Radiation Therapy organised by 108 Military Central Hospital. It demonstrated Hy Vong’s efforts and commitment to investing in scientific research, technology, and advanced techniques in cancer treatment.

Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre applies advanced scientific and technological advancements in treatment.

The conference on Cancer Radiation Therapy was attended by over 300 guests, including leaders, scientists, experts, doctors, and engineers working in the field of cancer radiation therapy in Vietnam. The conference welcomed participants and speakers from many renowned cancer treatment centres worldwide.

During the conference, Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre presented five reports, including three talks and two poster presentations, showcasing the centre’s contributions and achievements in research and the application of scientific and technological advancements in cancer treatment.

The medical team poses for a commemorative photo at the event

Dr Basma M’barek, head of Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre, delivered two presentations on the practical implementation of SBRT/SRS and adaptive IMRT techniques at FV Hospital. SBRT and SRS are two radiation therapy techniques that deliver a high, precise radiation dose to a small target area, aiming to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding tissues. SBRT is typically used for peripheral cancer treatment, while SRS is employed for small tumours in the brain.

IMRT is a modern radiation therapy approach that allows for the precise delivery of radiation dose, adjustable in density for each region of the tumour. This method also enhances treatment effectiveness, facilitates patient recovery, and reduces side effects compared to former approaches.

The adaptation of SBRT/SRS and IMRT techniques at FV Hospital demonstrates the strong investment made by Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre, not only in advanced equipment and technology but also in building a team of experienced experts who are proficient in these methods. Presentations described successful treatment cases during the conference in the context of substantial investments made, proving the depth of expertise and effectiveness of these techniques at FV Hospital.

Dr Basma M’barek, head of Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre, presents at the conference

Pioneering steps in cancer treatment in Vietnam.

Tran Anh Duong, a physicist at Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre, presented on the technique of Total Body Irradiation (TBI) and the first case treated via this method in Vietnam—a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the pioneering efforts of Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre in seeking the most effective solutions in cancer treatment.

TBI is a radiation therapy technique used to eliminate cancer cells throughout the entire body or a large part of the body. This complex technique requires a high degree of accuracy and safety. “The goal of TBI is to deliver a consistent treatment dose to the whole body and reduce the dose to vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, eyes, and crystalline lens,” said Mr Anh Duong. When combined with chemotherapy, TBI can be used to treat high-dose bone marrow failure and immune modulation prior to bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.

Mr Duong’s presentation emphasised that TBI at FV Hospital is performed using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). VMAT is an advanced technique in cancer radiation therapy that allows for the optimal distribution of radiation beams throughout the patient’s body. This combination enables the radiation to be delivered in a rotational arc trajectory, creating an optimal and uniform distribution of radiation throughout the entire body while allowing for dose customisation, thus minimising the impact on vital organs.

Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre Physicist and Engineer Tran Anh Duong presents on the Total Body Irradiation (TBI) technique

Mr Anh Duong’s presentation on the first patient treated via TBI at FV Hospital explained the meticulousness of its preparation and implementation processes. This includes overall patient assessment, preparation of simulation tools, patient positioning plans, radiation delivery plans (determining the radiation dose, treatment area, etc.), and follow-up care plans. TBI not only requires significant financial investment but also the establishment of a specialist team consisting of doctors, nurses, engineers, and technicians to proficiently implement this time-consuming and labour-intensive technique.

Creating a cancer care centre that delivers customized treatment for optimal outcomes.

Phang Duc Tin, MSc, Head Therapeutic Radiographer, presented a scientific poster presentation titled “Custom-made paraffin wax mouthpieces and boluses: clinical application for radiotherapy of the head and neck and skin cancer at FV Hospital.” Ms Nguyen Thi Ngoc Kieu, Therapeutic Radiographer, Radiotherapy, presented on “Experiences of Radiation Therapy Technicians in the Practice of TBI Technique Based on VMAT Technique at FV Hospital.”

These talks shared valuable research and insights from Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre, reflecting the team’s efforts in practicing and applying solutions to preserve or create the most comfortable treatment conditions for cancer patients.

Phang Duc Tin, MSc, Head Therapeutic Radiographer, stands in front of his scientific poster presentations

FV Hospital aims to establish Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre as one of the leading centres for cancer treatment among private hospitals in Vietnam, particularly in the field of radiation therapy. With continuous development, Hy Vong has invested in and applied the most advanced techniques in radiation therapy, such as Total Body Irradiation (TBI), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for patients.

In addition to implementing advanced treatment methods, Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre also continuously trains and provides learning opportunities for its medical team. This is partly to meet the demand for highly skilled personnel and to maintain a proactive, accurate, and cohesive working team at Hy Vong. The Centre has two major advantages: active collaboration and support from various specialties within FV, and strong partnerships with leading hospitals in Vietnam and renowned cancer centres worldwide, such as HCG.

Since its establishment in 2018, Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre has expanded its network of collaborators, participated in ongoing scientific research, and made efforts to share its experiences with the medical community. Its contributions to this radiation oncology conference is another great example of the department’s efforts. Along with appropriate investments from FV Hospital, Hope Cancer Treatment Centre has brought positive treatment outcomes to cancer patients in Vietnam using techniques equivalent to advanced centres worldwide at a reasonable cost.