The seminars, along with other meaningful activities, are in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 and in celebration of Vietnam Women's Day on October 20.

At the conference, leading cancer experts shared clinical experiences and presented the latest research findings from the ESMO 2024 conference (European Society for Medical Oncology). These findings offer promising evidence of improved recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates for early-stage, high-risk triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients through a combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimen from MSD.

Doctors and medical professionals exchanged experiences in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer with immunotherapy. Photo: Trang Do

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a distinct subset of breast cancer in which cancer cells lack the three key receptors commonly found in other types of breast cancer: 1) estrogen receptor (ER), 2) progesterone receptor (PR), and 3) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The absence of these receptors makes TNBC more challenging to treat, as hormone therapies and HER2-targeted drugs are ineffective.

In Vietnam, according to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with 24,563 new cases annually, accounting for nearly 13.6 per cent of all cancer cases, making it the cancer type with the highest incidence.

"Triple-negative breast cancer is biologically more aggressive than other subtypes, with shorter disease-free survival and higher rates of recurrence and metastasis. TNBC has the highest mortality rate compared to other subtypes, regardless of whether it is early-stage or metastatic,” said Pham Huynh Anh Tuan, deputy head of the breast surgery department at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, during the conference.

Doctors from Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital shared insights on triple-negative breast cancer and advanced treatment options that have become available in Vietnam for this subtype of breast cancer, including immunotherapy, which brought new hope to patients. Photo: Trang Do

Regarding treatment methods, Phan Thi Hong Duc, head of the breast, gastrointestinal, liver, and urology department at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, explained, “With advancements in medicine, we now assess the risk before surgery. This allows us to contemplate additional pre- and post-operative medical treatments known as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, which help shrink the tumour and increase the likelihood of a complete pathological response. Ultimately, this approach can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the patient's chances of survival significantly.”

"Two emerging treatments for breast cancer are immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body's immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. Promising clinical trial results have brought hope to many patients," Duc added.

Dr. Phan Thi Hong Duc, head of the Department of Breast, Gastrointestinal, Liver, and Urology Oncology at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, advised patients to adhere to their treatment regimen and maintain a positive mindset in their fight against disease. Photo: Trang Do

In addition to sharing professional information at the seminars, MSD Vietnam supported Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital by decorating the "Pink Corner" and organising a Patient Club meeting to foster trust and close cooperation between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. MSD also helped spread messages of compassion to breast cancer patients.

Following this, the talk show "Alo Bac Si Cuoi Tuan" on VTV9 was broadcast nationwide, providing valuable information on the prevention and treatment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, alongside touching stories of resilience and hope from patients. This initiative aims to raise awareness and foster a supportive community for those affected by breast cancer, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences in the fight against this challenging disease.

To further spread the message that breast cancer patients are not alone in their fight, MSD Vietnam employees participated in the “5,000 Steps of Happiness” walk organised by the Salt Cancer Initiative in Hanoi and the Pink Run 2024 organised by the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

Katharina Geppert, managing director of MSD Vietnam, shared, “In the spirit of Vietnam Women’s Day on October 20, MSD is conducting various activities to raise community awareness about women’s health. We have long contributed to the fight against breast cancer, bringing groundbreaking innovations in treatment to extend patients' lives. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to government agencies, healthcare professionals, and our colleagues at MSD Vietnam for their tireless dedication. We will continue to support all patients, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most challenging forms to treat.”