Congratulations on the First Prize at the National Biochemistry Conference for the research group from the University Medical and Pharmacy Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City

Recently, the research project “Survey of the mutation rates of EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, KRAS and NRAS genes in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer at the University Medical and Pharmacy Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City using next‑generation sequencing technology” won the First Prize at the 25th National Biochemistry Conference.

The research project was carried out by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Bắc – Director of the Hospital, Associate Professor Dr. Lê Minh Khôi – Head of the Science and Training Department, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Băng Sương – Head of the Laboratory Department, MSc. Nguyễn Hữu Huy and MSc. Mai Thị Bích Chi – Laboratory Department of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital (BV ĐHYD TPHCM). This study is a topic reported from the basic research “Survey of the mutation rate of 6 genes in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer at BV ĐHYD TPHCM” in 2022‑2023 by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Bắc – project leader.

Currently, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80–85% of cases. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a new technology used for DNA sequencing and detecting variants/mutations. Molecular tests for EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, KRAS, and NRAS are widely used to guide personalized treatment in patients with NSCLC.

In this study, the physicians used a new sequencing method for 6 target genes including EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, KRAS, NRAS to predict response to molecular targeted therapy. To detail the patient population undergoing mutation testing, the research team compiled the mutation rates of the 6 genes EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, KRAS, NRAS in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer presenting at the Department of Oncology, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital, thereby selecting the most appropriate treatment method for the patients.

As a young graduate student participating in this project, ThS. Nguyễn Hữu Huy shared: I feel very happy and lucky to receive the award. This award is an encouragement for us to continue conducting new research in the field of testing, molecular biology, making practical contributions to diagnosis and treatment for patients”.