RBS2418, a pioneering oral immunotherapy drug, brings new hope to patients who have exhausted existing treatment methods. This is the first time a phase 2A clinical trial has been conducted in Vietnam, with modern biomarker testing techniques performed domestically, helping domestic patients access treatment equivalent to that in the United States.
RBS2418 is a breakthrough in medicine with a mechanism of "heating up" tumors, helping the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Unlike previous complicated methods, the drug is formulated in oral form, easy to use and reduces treatment costs - a huge benefit for patients in Vietnam.
During the phase 1 clinical trial in the United States, RBS2418 demonstrated safety and potential to inhibit tumor growth, both when used alone and in combination with other immunotherapies.
With VISTA-1, the study is being expanded to phase 2A to evaluate the drug's effectiveness in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The drug is expected to improve the chances of survival for patients who have failed with existing treatments.
Colorectal cancer is increasing significantly in Vietnam. According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the mortality rate from colorectal cancer in Asia could increase by nearly 80% by 2045. Statistics show that about 15–30% of patients are diagnosed at the metastatic stage, with a 5-year survival rate of only 10–20%.
In Vietnam, although treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy have brought certain effectiveness, there are still many limitations. These methods only help improve the survival rate for 5% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. VISTA-1 is a new solution, bringing hope to the remaining 95% of patients, especially those who do not respond to existing treatments.
Participating in the VISTA-1 project, Tam Anh General Hospital is not only the main research site in Vietnam but also cooperates with leading experts such as Prof. Dr. Jeffrey S. Glenn from Stanford University. To ensure the quality of research, the Hospital has invested in a state-of-the-art testing center that meets international standards, and at the same time built the first central laboratory in Vietnam to conduct biomarker testing in parallel with the United States.
Overview of the meeting and discussion about the VISTA-1 project
The VISTA-1 project marks a new development step in medical cooperation between Vietnam and the United States. To become an official research site, Tam Anh General Hospital has invested heavily in human resources, equipment and processes. In particular, a central laboratory with the most modern equipment has been built in Vietnam, operating in parallel with research laboratories in the United States.
Prof. Dr. Jeffrey S. Glenn, one of the project's leading experts, shared: "Vietnam is an important partner in the journey to bring the immunotherapy drug RBS2418 closer to patients around the world. This cooperation not only helps expand research but also brings direct benefits to patients in Vietnam."
Dr. Phuong Le Tri, Executive Director of Tam Anh Research Institute, emphasized: "VISTA-1 is not only a valuable opportunity for colorectal cancer patients, but also an opportunity for Vietnamese scientists to access the world's leading advanced research standards. This is an important milestone, affirming that Vietnam can completely become a regional and world medical research center."
The project not only helps Vietnamese patients access advanced treatment methods but also contributes to enhancing the position of the country's healthcare sector. The thorough investment from Tam Anh General Hospital affirms its commitment to bringing the best values to patients, while opening up opportunities for outstanding development for Vietnamese medicine in the future.
VISTA-1 is a clear demonstration of the integration and development of Vietnam's healthcare sector in international cooperation. With the support of leading experts from the United States and a team of dedicated Vietnamese doctors, VISTA-1 promises to open a new chapter full of hope in the fight against cancer - not only in Vietnam but also around the world.
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