The third edition of the "Asia Pacific Forum on Precision Cancer Treatment" concluded today with a dynamic exchange of ideas, deep dives into emerging technologies, and strategic discussions on the Molecular Tumor Board (MTB). Organized by IBMI, RBMP, and the Taiwan Oncology Society, the event brought together healthcare professionals and industry experts to explore trends and clinical practices in the APAC region.

Key Highlights:

Building Collaborative Ecosystems:

The forum, held at the Grand HiLai Hotel Taipei, convened discussions under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan. The overarching theme aimed to build a collaborative ecosystem across borders, emphasizing the need for an APAC-specific MTB framework for cancer care and precision medicine.

Discussions emphasized the necessity of an Asia-Pacific (APAC)-specific Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) framework to advance cancer care and precision medicine across borders.

Keynote Speeches:

The event kicked off with opening remarks by Huey-Kang Sytwu, President of the National Health Research Institutes, setting the stage for an enlightening series of keynote speeches.

Devmanyu Singh, Integrated Health Solutions Lead at Roche, delivered an insightful address on "Molecular Tumor Board (MTB): Trends and Challenges in the APAC region." Singh's speech explored the transformative impact of precision medicine on cancer care, emphasizing the role of MTBs in tailoring treatment plans based on genomic insights.

Shingo Matsumoto, Assistant Chief at the Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center, shared valuable perspectives on "MTB in Japan: Strategies and Outcomes." Matsumoto delved into Japan's strategies for incorporating MTBs into clinical practice, showcasing outcomes and lessons learned in the process.

Yung-Chang Lin, Vice Superintendent at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, provided a comprehensive overview of "MTB in Taiwan: Now and the Future." Lin's keynote address not only outlined the current state of MTBs in Taiwan but also presented a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of precision cancer treatment in the region.

Additional Insights and Keynote Speeches:

The forum continued with in-depth discussions and additional keynote speeches that expanded on various aspects of precision cancer treatment:

Dr. Xiao Zhang, Senior Vice President at Varian Greater China, presented on "Innovations in Radiotherapy Technologies for Precision Cancer Treatment." Dr. Zhang discussed the latest advancements in radiotherapy technologies, showcasing how they contribute to the precision and efficacy of cancer treatments.

Hua-Chien Chen, CEO of ACT Genomics, explored "Genomic Profiling and Its Implications in Tailoring Cancer Therapies." Chen's presentation highlighted the role of genomic profiling in identifying targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches for cancer patients.

Panel Discussions:

The heart of the forum lay in engaging panel discussions, expertly chaired by Yun Yen, President Emeritus, and Chair Professor at Taipei Medical University.

MTB’s Way Forward: Creating the Region’s Paradigm with Technologies and Therapeutics saw contributions from esteemed panelists such as Xiao Zhang, Senior Vice President at Varian Greater China, Hua-Chien Chen, CEO of ACT Genomics, and Tong-Young Lee, CEO at StemCyte Inc.

MTB’s Way Forward: Cross-Region Collaboration in Research and Treatment Plans featured an impressive lineup including Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia, R. Soeko W. Nindito, MD.MARS, President of the National Congress of Indonesian Hospital Association, and Shingo Matsumoto, Assistant Chief at the Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center.

Closing Thoughts:

The forum concluded with a sense of optimism and commitment to advancing precision cancer treatment in the APAC region. The collaborative efforts showcased during the event set the stage for future breakthroughs and innovations.