Cancer treatment: Expectations from new advances
Against the backdrop of an alarming trend of cancer affecting younger people, the proposal to have health insurance cover 30 new-generation drugs is expected to be a humane step forward, helping patients, especially the poor, access advanced treatment. Nghe An Newspaper, Radio, and Television had a conversation with MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh - Deputy Director of Nghe An Oncology Hospital - about related issues.
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Against the backdrop of an alarming trend of cancer affecting younger people, the proposal to have health insurance cover 30 new-generation drugs is expected to be a humane step forward, helping patients, especially the poor, access advanced treatment. Nghe An Newspaper, Radio, and Television had a conversation with MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh - Deputy Director of Nghe An Oncology Hospital - about related issues.
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PV:Doctor, the proposed addition of 30 new-generation cancer drugs to the list of drugs covered by health insurance in 2026 is generating great expectations within the community. From the perspective of someone involved in local management and treatment, how do you view the pricing? treatmentThis policy benefits patients, especially poor patients.?
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh:The proposal to add new-generation cancer treatments, especially targeted and immunotherapy drugs, to the list of drugs covered by health insurance is a deeply humane policy.
Currently, the cost of these medications remains very high. Many new drugs are not yet covered by health insurance, posing a significant barrier for many patients, especially the poor. If the policy is implemented, it will create more equitable access to advanced treatments, significantly improving disease prognosis.
From the perspective of treatment facilities, we believe that this policy will contribute to standardizing treatment protocols according to international approaches, while reducing the financial burden and increasing patient adherence to treatment.
PV:While policies create opportunities, the reality is that supply is facing many challenges. In the context of the global pharmaceutical supply chain being affected by political instability, what contingency plans has Nghe An Oncology Hospital implemented to ensure that essential medicines, especially specialized antibody treatments, are not disrupted?
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh:Given the volatile international situation that could affect the pharmaceutical supply chain, especially for next-generation cancer drugs, the hospital has proactively developed systematic and long-term plans to ensure supply.
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Specifically, we have developed a drug procurement plan with a 24-month outlook, taking into account the increasing demand for treatment as well as the risk of global supply disruptions, in order to ensure adequate and continuous supply for patients.
In addition, the hospital instructed the Pharmacy Department to proactively increase drug reserves, especially essential and specialized medications, raising inventory levels by 3-4 times compared to normal to respond to unforeseen situations and prevent disruptions in drug supply.
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With this proactive approach, the hospital has so far ensured a sufficient supply of medication for treatment, preventing any interruptions and contributing to patient well-being and protecting their rights.
PV:Alongside the supply of medicines, modernizing diagnostic infrastructure is a key factor. It is known that the PET/CT system is about to become operational at the hospital's new facility.ThisHow will this create a turning point in the diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma in situ?and what benefits does it bring to patients?Nghe AnDoctor?
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh:The fact that Nghe An Oncology Hospital will be operating stably at its new facility from mid-2025 has created favorable conditions for patients to be examined and treated in a spacious, modern facility with scientifically and synchronously arranged departments, bringing many practical benefits to patients, not only in treatment but also in upgrading the quality of service. Besides many newly invested modern equipment, the hospital has now completed the installation and is undergoing acceptance and licensing procedures to operate the PET/CT system, expected to be operational in Q2-Q3/2026 – a significant milestone in improving the quality of examination and treatment for cancer patients.
Firstly, in terms of diagnosis, PET/CT allows for the detection of lesions at the cellular metabolic level, helping to detect cancer early, accurately assess the stage of the disease, and thus guide optimal treatment from the outset. This is a significant advancement compared to traditional diagnostic imaging methods.
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Secondly, in terms of treatment, PET/CT helps to accurately monitor treatment response, supporting timely adjustments to treatment protocols, avoiding unnecessary treatments, and thus saving medical resources, especially for complex cancers.
More importantly, people in Nghe An and the North Central region will no longer have to go through the arduous process of transferring to other facilities to access advanced diagnostic techniques. This not only reduces costs, time, and psychological stress for patients but also opens up opportunities for high-quality treatment right in their local area.
This is also the goal that Nghe An Oncology Hospital is striving for: Gradually developing advanced techniques and raising professional standards so that people can benefit from modern medical services right in their hometown.
PV:Accurate diagnosis is the prerequisite, but effective treatment depends on many other factors.Currently, multimodal and individualized treatment models are considered a trend in cancer treatment. How has Nghe An Oncology Hospital applied this model to optimize treatment outcomes and prolong the lives of cancer patients?
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh:Multimodal treatment is the cornerstone of modern oncology because cancer is a complex disease requiring the combination of multiple treatment methods and a combination of "weapons" to optimize treatment effectiveness. Currently, the hospital has implemented a comprehensive treatment framework including: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, and palliative care. Treatment therapies are applied synchronously to each specific disease, based on histopathology, disease stage, and the biological characteristics of the tumor to select and combine appropriate therapies.
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The hospital has established nine specialized subcommittees for each specialty, including: head and neck, thyroid, thoracic, digestive, breast, gynecology, urology, blood disorders and bone marrow transplantation, and other cancers (sarcoma, melanoma). A multidisciplinary consultation model is regularly maintained among surgical, internal medicine, radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging, pathology, laboratory, and nutrition specialists before making decisions and developing treatment plans for patients. This model is particularly effective for late-stage, relapsed, or comorbid cases.
In addition, we also focus on holistic treatment, combining nutrition, rehabilitation, and palliative care to improve the physical condition and quality of life for patients. Thanks to this approach, many cancer patients who previously had a poor prognosis now have the opportunity to extend their lifespan, control their disease long-term, and significantly improve their quality of life.
Along with the implementation of multimodal treatment, each patient is also given individualized attention through molecular biological tests, genetic testing, and modern diagnostic imaging techniques. This helps doctors select the most appropriate treatment protocols for each individual patient, thereby improving the quality and effectiveness of treatment, minimizing unnecessary costs, and saving healthcare resources.
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PV:In the race for Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept in medicine. Following the initial application of AI in X-ray imaging, what plans does the hospital have to enable AI to assist doctors in making more accurate clinical decisions, Doctor?
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh:The hospital has initially applied artificial intelligence (AI) in reading mammograms and chest X-rays for diagnosing breast and lung cancer, showing significant effectiveness in increasing accuracy and early detection of small lesions.
Currently, the hospital is preparing to implement a provincial-level scientific project: Applying low-dose CT scanners combined with artificial intelligence (AI) in screening and early detection of lung cancer.
In the future, the hospital aims to expand the application of artificial intelligence on its digital infrastructure (electronic medical records) and implement it synchronously, initially focusing on supporting image analysis for early cancer detection. Simultaneously, it will gradually research and utilize big data to support clinical decision-making, aiming to improve treatment quality and optimize resources.
However, we must recognize that AI does not replace doctors, but rather acts as a supporting tool, helping to improve accuracy, reduce workload, and standardize professional quality.
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PV:Besidealongside modern medicine, medicinetraditional learningalsoTraditional medicine is proving to play a crucial role in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and improving quality of life. What specific benefits does multidisciplinary collaboration between modern and traditional medicine bring to cancer patients?
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Binh:Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in supporting the treatment of cancer patients. At the hospital, the Traditional Medicine Department has collaborated seamlessly with other departments to implement traditional medicine procedures such as electroacupuncture, hydroacupuncture, herbal steam therapy, massage, and acupressure to treat various side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, such as peripheral nerve damage, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting.
In addition, the Department of Traditional Medicine also contributes to the treatment of co-morbid chronic diseases, helping to improve treatment effectiveness and quality of life for patients.
PV:Thank you, doctor, for sharing your insights!