New facility for Sarcoma patients in Vietnam

Sarcoma is a rare yet highly malignant group of cancers, with bone cancer and soft tissue cancer being two groups that require complex diagnostic and treatment processes. Soon, patients in Vietnam will gain access to a new reputable facility for comprehensive sarcoma treatment that has been evaluated by Cleveland Clinic (USA).

“Golden hands” on par with the world

Nguyen Manh Tuan, a 22-year-old male student in Hanoi, is preparing to be discharged. Few people know that just four days ago, this young man underwent a complex 12-hour surgery to eliminate a bone tumor.

Tuan had been living with a tumor in his left tibia (shin bone) since February, but after two biopsies, the results revealed a benign bone tumor. It was not until the third biopsy that the doctors determined that the cancer was in stage IIB, indicating a severe condition, as the tumor had invaded the soft tissue. Tuan’s family, after witnessing his two exhausting rounds of chemotherapy, became aware of the remarkable limb preservation method at Vinmec Times City International Hospital and decided to transfer him there for examination.

According to the doctors at Vinmec, in cases where the disease had progressed to a severe stage like Tuan’s, it was often imperative to amputate the affected limb. This course of action could significantly impact the patient’s quality of life, appearance, and prospects, and even pose a risk to their life.

Bone sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma are two types of cancer that often manifest in adolescents, with initial symptoms being very vague, difficult to detect, and often mistaken for inflammation, muscle pain, or bone pain. This is a group of cancers that require various tests for accurate diagnosis. Patients should therefore seek examinations at specialized centers that possess sufficient expertise, capabilities, and specialized equipment for sarcoma diagnosis and treatment.

Accordingly, following examination and consultation with the expert panel, MSc. Dr. Specialist level II Nguyen Tran Quang Sang, the Head of the Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery Department, decided to perform surgery to remove the tumor and replace it with a 3D-printed artificial joint to fully preserve the patient’s limb. This was followed by radiation therapy along with efforts for functional recovery.

Dr. Sang emphasized the complexity of this surgical case, which involved the integration of three significant techniques within a single procedure. It required specialized techniques and high-tech equipment, as well as close coordination between surgical teams, as surgical expertise is one of the crucial pillars of bone cancer treatment.

Firstly, the surgery involves the excision of the tumor-containing segment at the proximal end of the tibia to ensure the complete eradication of cancer from the patient. This step generally takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Subsequently, the bone defect is reconstructed using 3D-printed artificial materials through advanced 3D printing technology available at Vinmec.

However, after removing the invasive soft tissue, a significant defect remains, approximately 8-10 cm wide in the tibial region. Therefore, the final stage of the surgery involves transferring the microsurgical outer thigh flap and the outer thigh muscle to cover the soft tissue in the ankle area. “Without a detailed surgical plan and the application of advanced 3D printing technology for soft tissue coverage, the patient would face the risk of limb amputation,” Dr. Sang stated.

Notably, this surgical case was performed under the direct observation of an experiencedorthopedic surgeon from Cleveland Clinic (USA). Direct observation is one method for experts to review Vinmec’s diagnostic and surgical capabilities.

“Vinmec has developed a program dedicated to bone cancer, aiming to promote multidisciplinary approaches – a crucial approach in treating this condition. This initiative serves as a solid foundation for providing quality care to patients. Particularly, Vinmec’s strengths reside in its specialized professionals and a comprehensive program involving multiple specialties such as surgery, oncology, and radiation therapy,”stated Dr. Dale Shepard, Co-Director of the Sarcoma Program at Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic is conducting a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that  Vinmec possesses the necessary capabilities and expertise to provide bone sarcoma treatment in accordance with international standards.

Breakthrough in Sarcoma treatment in Vietnam

In Vietnam, there is only attention given to bone sarcoma, while soft tissue cancer has not been fully recognized and understood by the community and the medical field. It is worth noting that the treatment of soft tissue cancer is more complex compared to that of bone cancer in terms of diagnostic protocols and equipment.

Hence, Vinmec has made significant strides in recent years by establishing a solid groundwork in terms of personnel and cutting-edge equipment. This effort aims to establish Vietnam’s inaugural integrated Sarcoma Center, which will specialize in the treatment of both bone sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. “Vinmec has been making extensive preparations over the years in terms of human resources, equipment and resources, and communication channels to raise awareness of the community and the medical field about the significance of sarcoma. Given that bone and soft tissue cancers are uncommon diseases with a high degree of malignancy, delayed detection often leads to unfavorable treatment outcomes,” said Prof. Ph.D. Dr. Tran Trung Dzung, Director of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center of the Northern Region – Vinmec Healthcare System.

Specifically, Vinmec plans to continue collaborating with experts from Cleveland Clinic throughout Vinmec’s development of their own Sarcoma treatment center. This collaboration will involve evaluation, consultation, and coordination in the application of globally recognized best practices and procedures from Cleveland Clinic to achieve high treatment effectiveness within Vietnam.

In particular, there will be continuous exchanges of expertise and updated techniques, as well as discussions on clinical cases, between physicians at Vinmec and Cleveland Clinic. For challenging cases at Vinmec, patients have the option to receive consultations from Cleveland Clinic experts. This aims to ensure accurate diagnoses and determine the most optimal treatment protocols for patients.

“With the establishment of the Sarcoma Center, all patient needs for diagnosis and treatment will be comprehensively and thoroughly addressed following a standardized, internationalized, and personalized model,” shared Prof. Ph.D. Dr. Trung Dzung. According to Dr. Dzung, each patient will have a fully tailored diagnosis and treatment plan, including specific aspects such as nutrition and care, as well as exercises. The program aims to enable Vietnamese patients to benefit from internationally standardized treatment values provided by an internationally personalized team.

Vinmec’s Sarcoma Center is anticipated to be officially established in the upcoming year after evaluation, feedback and programmatic recommendations from Cleveland Clinic are completed. “We are very impressed with the dedication and investment of Vingroup and Vinmec in addressing this rare cancer throughout Vietnam. Sarcoma patients are often not optimally treated. Vinmec’s determination to establish a comprehensive program and mobilize multiple resources to support patients with this rare disease is of great significance,” said Dr. Nathan Mesko, Co-Director of the Sarcoma Program at Cleveland Clinic. The establishment of the Sarcoma Center marks a significant turning point in cancer treatment in Vietnam.