More than 1,400 Vietnamese and international specialists discussed advances in global oncology at the Cancer in the Era of Integration conference, also called Best of ASCO 2026. The forum was held in Hanoi on November 5 and 6 at the initiative of the National Cancer Hospital, known as K Hospital.
Best of ASCO 2026 provided a forum for sharing the latest advances in global oncology and international cooperation to improve diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients in Viet Nam.
Progress in molecular diagnostics, genetic sequencing, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, advanced radiotherapy and precision medicine is gradually improving prognoses and expanding survival opportunities for patients.
Deputy Minister of Health Dao Xuan Co praised K Hospital's initiative in organising the scientific forum, which connects expertise, supports the exchange of the latest oncology advances and promotes international cooperation.
The Deputy Minister said cancer remains a serious medical and public health issue. Behind every patient is a family facing anxiety, high expectations and medical, financial and emotional difficulties.
He also identified late diagnosis, differences in treatment capacity between levels of healthcare, the high cost of many new treatment methods and the burden on patients as continuing challenges for Viet Nam's health sector.
For modern and sustainable development of oncology, Dao Xuan Co said Viet Nam needs a decisive shift from a primary focus on treatment to comprehensive cancer management, with an emphasis on prevention and early detection.
He called for a cohesive national oncology network with professional stratification and a focus on treatment quality. Alongside specialised cancer centres, regional and provincial hospitals need stronger capacity so patients can receive appropriate care in their localities.
The Deputy Minister also urged K Hospital to maintain its role as the leading specialised oncology institution by expanding training, technology transfer, multidisciplinary consultations and professional support for healthcare facilities nationwide.
Best of ASCO 2026: sharing knowledge and international cooperation
Prof. Le Van Quang, director of K Hospital, said the theme Cancer in the Era of Integration was especially relevant as Viet Nam develops science and technology, innovation and digital transformation while strengthening international cooperation in line with Politburo Resolutions 57 and 59-NQ/TW.
Prof. Quang said K Hospital places great importance on science and technology, digital transformation and international cooperation. The hospital aims to bring new knowledge and innovations from around the world closer to patients and share Vietnamese research with international colleagues.
In recent years, K Hospital has taken part in hundreds of Phase III and multinational clinical trials. It has published nearly 200 papers in high-quality international journals, with more than 50 per cent in Q1 and Q2 journals. Nearly 40 doctors from different countries have visited K Hospital to exchange experience and learn the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy technique.
The Best of ASCO 2026 symposium included 22 scientific sessions and nearly 120 professional presentations. Participants discussed advances in head and neck, breast, lung and thoracic, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, genitourinary, bone and soft tissue, neuro-oncology, haematological and paediatric oncology.
The sessions analysed data from pivotal clinical trials and new treatment strategies, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, the management of advanced or metastatic cancer, personalised approaches and the use of modern biotechnology.
Experts discussed the latest research and how it could be applied in clinical practice to improve treatment outcomes.
During the symposium, K Hospital signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of the world's leading cancer organisations.
The conference also unveiled three additional NCCN clinical practice guidelines for cancer diagnosis and treatment translated into Vietnamese. The initiative aims to complete guidelines for the 10 most common types of cancer in Viet Nam by 2027.
The guidelines were developed with NCCN experts. Leading Vietnamese oncologists from the northern, central and southern regions reviewed and discussed them.
The documents were adapted to Viet Nam's resources and clinical practice conditions. They are intended to provide a professional resource for oncologists nationwide and support clinical decisions during diagnosis and treatment.
K Hospital also continued to strengthen and formalise partnerships with the National Cancer Centre of South Korea, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, the National Cancer Centre of Japan, and the Institut Curie, Nice University Hospital and Sorbonne Paris Nord University in France.
These projects create opportunities for professional exchange, workforce training, scientific research and medical technology transfer, helping develop oncology care in Viet Nam.
Sources: Viet Nam News
