The value of a multidisciplinary team of doctors or MDT and selecting novel approaches to treat liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC, can give Filipino patients renewed strength to survive the disease and live fuller lives.
This was the message imparted at a presentation entitled “Bringing the Strength in Survival” at the recent 2024 Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO) Annual Convention at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
Dr. Herdee Gloriane Luna, medical oncologist and PSO President, led the discussion together with Dr. Jade Jamias, gastroenterologist and hepatologist, supported by Roche (Philippines) Inc.
Dr. May Sabando, also a medical oncologist, served as the moderator of the forum attended by dozens of oncologists, other specialty doctors, and healthcare industry professionals involved in the care of patients with cancer.
“Advanced or metastatic HCC cancer is a highly complex disease. But there is a novel approach in addressing the challenges of efficacy and safety in HCC cases,” Dr. Luna, who is affiliated with the Lung Cancer of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), and St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City, said.
“MDT involves the collaboration of various medical and allied healthcare personnel from various disciplines to come up with the most comprehensive care for patients with liver cancer,” said Dr. Jamias, the chairman of the Internal Medicine Division and the Liver Center of the NKTI.
He said the MDT approach and care “is an important strategy to avert the challenges of liver cancer treatment brought about by the complex interactions of the underlying liver disease, liver function, and tumor burden.” (more)
“Talk to your liver cancer MDT to have a personalized form of recommendation. Programs are also available to support a patient’s financial concerns for treatment,” Dr. Luna added.
HCC is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults, is currently the most common cause of death in people with cirrhosis, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the Global Cancer Observatory1.
“We thank Dr. Luna, Dr. Jamias, and Dr. Sabando for helping shine a new light on HCC and how Roche solutions can give hope and extend the lives of people diagnosed with the condition,” said Dr. Diana M. Edralin, MD, DPCOM, Roche (Philippines) Inc. General Manager for Pharmaceuticals.
“For many years, Roche has worked tirelessly to find innovative and life-changing solutions to curb the spread of liver cancer. We believe people with HCC deserve more options, and our hope for the future is to be a helping hand for those who need it,” Edralin added.
The event was the society’s 40th annual convention and celebrated the PSO’s 60th or Diamond Anniversary with the theme “Diagnostic and Multidisciplinary Oncologic Developments Toward Precision Outcomes.”
By partnering with organizations like the PSO, Roche continues to support patients, doctors, and healthcare stakeholders in their common treatment journeys. As the world’s leading biotechnological company, the Basel, Switzerland-based firm is revolutionizing personalized healthcare for cancer and other disease areas.
