Ho Chi Minh City, August 30, 2024 – Bayer Vietnam, Siemens Healthineers in collaboration with the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City (UMC) organized a specialized scientific workshop titled “The Role of MRI with specific contrast agents in the diagnosis and treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases” that delved into latest research regarding the utilization of MRI with EOB contrast agent (EOB – MRI) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases, notably hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), featuring practical insights and viewpoints from interventional radiologists.

The workshop, held at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, attracted over 150 hepatobiliary specialists for an insightful discussion. Ten leading experts in surgery and medical imaging, both domestic and international, delivered presentations on nine key topics. 
 

Associate Professor Dr. Junrungsee Sunhawit from Chiang Mai University highlighted how EOB-MRI significantly enhances surgical planning, leading to improved treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients with HCC. Professor Dr. Jeong Min Lee from Seoul National University Hospital underscored how EOB-MRI's advanced imaging capabilities facilitate precise prognostication and management of HCC, demonstrating its positive impact on patient care.

Other experts from the Department of Radiology at the University Medical Center shared their extensive experience on optimizing the application of EOB-MRI in practice. They emphasized the technology's effectiveness in early-stage screening, diagnosis, and monitoring disease progression to tailor treatment plans, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and early consultations to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment costs.

At the workshop, YeWon Kwak, Country Head, Radiology, Bayer Vietnam shared: “At Bayer, we believe that everyone deserves clear answers about their health. We are committed to advancing radiology innovation and empowering medical experts with cutting-edge tools for precise diagnoses, optimizing care. Our strategic partnership with Siemens Healthineers and UMC demonstrates our dedication to this endeavor. By coming together in collaborative efforts like this workshop, we highlight our mutual aim to advance healthcare excellence daily through pioneering approaches, facilitating improved patient outcomes.”

According to the Globocan 2022 report by the Global Cancer Organization, liver cancer is the second most common cancer in Vietnam, with over 24,500 new cases and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with more than 23,300 deaths annually . Of these, 90% are HCC cases. The high prevalence of HCC is notably linked to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Viruses (HCV), which remains a significant health concern in the region . This scientific workshop offers valuable insights in the context of the rising incidence of hepatobiliary diseases, updating the latest scientific advancements in EOB-MRI to help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and adjust treatment protocols optimally and timely for HCC patients.

EOB-MRI provides specific physiological information on tissues, characterizes liver lesions, and offers more precise lesion assessments compared to existing methods. The guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, issued in conjunction with Decision No. 3129/QD-BYT dated July 17, 2020, by the Ministry of Health, state that MRI with hepatobiliary- specific contrast agents exhibits higher sensitivity compared to dynamic computed tomography and MRI employing other contrast agents. They recommend the use of EOB-MRI to enhance the diagnostic capability for HCC. 
 

Speaking at the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Vo Tan Duc, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, stated, “Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role at the frontline of care and treatment, particularly in the management, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hepatobiliary diseases. By enabling screening, early and precise diagnosis, medical professionals can offer timely and tailored treatment plans for patients. Among the array of non-invasive diagnostic techniques, the EOB-MRI solution stands out as an advanced imaging tool, furnishing valuable insights into the morphology and function of hepatobiliary lesions. Recognized in the Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines of major Hepatobiliary Associations globally, EOB-MRI, despite being utilized in numerous leading hospitals nationwide, still lacks widespread and systematic application in hepatobiliary disease management. This workshop aims to facilitate knowledge updates and foster consensus among hepatobiliary disease experts regarding the role of EOB-MRI within Vietnam's healthcare landscape. The ultimate goal is to align practices with international guidelines for the management, diagnosis, and treatment of liver tumors, both regionally and globally.”

Fabian Martin Singer, General Manager of Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, echoed this sentiment, stating: “At Siemens Healthineers, one of our visions is to create a world free from the fear of cancer. We are doing this by leveraging our strengths to make significant strides in cancer care and healthcare overall, accelerating the journey from diagnosis to survivorship in one unified step. This workshop marks a new chapter in our collaboration with our strategic partners, UMC and Bayer, as we work together to enhance the quality of care in Vietnam. By providing advanced technology and expertise, we aim to elevate the standard of cancer care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment.”

About Siemens Healthineers
Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 71,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €21.7 billion. 

Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com


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