International Collaboration Enhances Cancer Care for Women in Vietnam

Enhancing Cancer Care for Women in Vietnam

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a prominent alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States, has recently achieved a crucial milestone in cancer care for women in Vietnam. With the collaboration of the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (K Hospital), they have developed specialized clinical practice guidelines that cater to the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer in the region. This initiative not only highlights the pressing need to address high-incidence cancers among Vietnamese women but also strengthens Vietnam’s position in regional healthcare practices.

Addressing the Challenge of Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women in Vietnam, accounting for approximately one out of every seven cancer cases reported in 2022. Moreover, current data shows that, while globally, one in three women diagnosed with breast cancer is under the age of 50, southeast Asia highlights a stark contrast with nearly half of the diagnosed cases occurring in women of this age range. This partnership between NCCN and K Hospital aims to confront these alarming statistics head-on by providing updated treatment protocols that align with international standards.

Prof. Le Van Quang, MD, PhD, Director of K Hospital, emphasized the significant impact of NCCN's collaboration, stating that the guidelines are based on the latest scientific evidence and are pivotal for standardizing cancer treatment practices in Vietnam. The initiative represents an essential stride toward harmonizing local treatments with global benchmarks, thus enhancing the delivery of care and medical outcomes.

The Development of Adapted Guidelines

The NCCN Guidelines® adaptations are specifically customized to suit regional practice patterns and the existing healthcare framework in Vietnam. These guidelines will be made freely accessible through the NCCN's global online resources and their Virtual Library application, enabling healthcare professionals to consult the most current guidelines. The initial step in this collaborative effort commenced with a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023, focusing on lung cancer treatment, which proved successful and now expands to include guidelines for breast and ovarian cancers.

During the adaptation phase, local experts contributed indispensable knowledge about ovarian cancer treatments, particularly concerning management during pregnancy—a complex area that requires particular caution to maximize maternal and fetal well-being. This encompasses newly developed algorithms that better outline surgical options, chemotherapy protocols, and comprehensive maternal-fetal monitoring strategies.

Future Directions and Continuous Support

Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN, mentioned that the exchange of knowledge between international and local experts enhances not just cancer care in Vietnam but also improves outcomes in the United States. The adaptability of these region-specific treatment guidelines could serve as a foundational pillar for a future National Cancer Control Plan.

With nearly 100 global adaptations of NCCN Guidelines rolling out across various continents, this model of personalized healthcare looks promising. Established networks such as these aim to improve cancer treatment and operational capacity worldwide, creating a global alliance in the fight against cancer.

To learn more about the NCCN’s initiatives and access the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org/global. The journey toward valuable collaborations in healthcare represents an inspiring precedent for other countries facing similar challenges in combating cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the strategic collaboration between NCCN and K Hospital marks a pivotal step in transforming cancer care for women in Vietnam. With compelling evidence-based guidelines paving the way forward, improved treatment and enhanced quality of care are on the horizon for countless women battling cancer. This initiative sets a powerful example of international cooperation in healthcare, aiming for a brighter future filled with better health outcomes across the globe.