Astrazeneca Philippines recently launched a coalition of multidisciplinary medical specialists in the oncology field. “Oncoalition” aims to not only recognize current unmet needs in the optimal diagnosis and treatment of leading cancer types among Filipinos but also stress the importance of biomarkers and pioneering therapies. Patients, through diagnostic tests, will be able to determine the best management options allowing for personalized or targeted treatments.
With a broad large and small molecule oncology portfolio, AstraZeneca is committed to bringing new, personalized cancer therapies to the right patients. Aside from new ways of looking at diagnosis through biomarker assays, it will also be introducing six new breakthrough cancer products targeting hard-to-treat cancer diseases in the next six years.
“Oncoalition is an alliance of Filipino medical oncologists, pathologists, genetic counselors and biomolecular scientists that aims to provide continuing medical education (CME) on the latest, evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in lung and breast cancer. AstraZeneca is privileged to partner with Filipino cancer specialists in achieving our shared goal of redefining cancer treatment, restoring patients’ lives and eliminating cancer as a cause of death,” said Gagan Singh, country president, AstraZeneca Philippines.
Oncoalition recently held its inaugural CME activity at The Medical City in Pasig City. Top Filipino cancer specialists shared their expert insights during the symposium.
“Not all breast cancers are the same. Fortunately, new targeted treatments are being developed for the different types of breast cancer,” said Dr. Priscilla Caguioa, medical oncologist, University of Santo Tomas Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Dr. Ma. Luisa Enriquez, director, Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research (Censer), De La Salle University, and consultant-scientist, Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Research and Biotechnology Division, St. Luke’s Medical Center, said: “Personalized medicine uses the patient’s genetic profile to guide decisions made in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. It may have an important role in the treatment of various forms of cancer.”
“Nonsmall cell lung cancer or NSLC is the top killer among malignancies worldwide. Thanks to advances in medical knowledge and technology, NSLC is now a treatable disease,” said Dr. Gerardo Cornelio, medical oncologist, St. Luke’s Medical Center, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Asian Hospital and Philippine General Hospital.
Dr. Catherine Lynn Silao, pediatrician and associate professor, Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, said: “Genetic counseling is a best practice in cancer care that we are establishing in the Philippines. It is a process in which patients or their relatives at risk for a hereditary disorder such as cancer are advised of the consequences of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and ways to prevent or ameliorate the disorder.”
Oncoalition is the first of many initiatives of AstraZeneca Philippines in its commitment to help address unmet needs in the optimal diagnosis and treatment of Filipino cancer patients. AstraZeneca also established the AZ School of Oncology, which aims to disseminate scientific information to local healthcare professionals about different therapeutic areas in cancer being addressed by AstraZeneca’s comprehensive oncology portfolio and pipeline.