Oncology scientists, medical practitioners, carers and healthcare administrators gathered at Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Science Park on 22 July 2017 in order to share insights, know-how and experience in the treatment of lung cancer and the use of precision medicine technology at the conference titled "Precision Medicine and High Quality Biomarker Testing in Asia".
The event was held at Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Science Park and was co-organised by Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Cancer Therapy Society, the Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Association of Community Oncologists, the Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Society of Clinical Oncology, and supported by Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Science and Technology Parks Corporation and AstraZeneca. The Scientific Collaboration Partner of the conference is Sanomics Ltd., a start-up in Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Science Park specialising in blood-based genomics technologies for cancer patients.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, claiming more than 1.6 million lives each year — more than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Not only smokers get lung cancer but about 51% of the world’s lung cancer cases occur in Asia[1], while it accounts for 21% of cancer deaths in the region[2]. In addition to the current treatment approaches precision medication uses DNA analysis for early detection of cancer and to identify therapies that are tailored for individual patients has become an emerging added solution in the cure of lung cancer.
The well-timed conference drew experts in Asia to discuss and examine the progress of high quality biomarker testing in the region. It also put heavy emphasis on the need for collaboration and why Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Special Administrative Region of China, with its expertise in precision medicine, genome analysis and nano-technology in the field of cancer management, is a natural regional hub for research, development, clinical application and investments in this field.
Genomics biomarkers essential for personalised cancer management
Mrs. Fanny Law, Chairperson of Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Science and Technology Parks Corporation, in an opening address at the conference, said advances in precision medicine have transformed healthcare and treatment of diseases. Predictive diagnosis and personalised treatment tailored to each person’s genetic makeup and the genetic profile of the tumour can enhance efficacy and minimise adverse effects.
"Precision medicine faces many challenges in clinical application and this requires collaboration between all stakeholders," said Mrs. Law. "The therapeutic prospects of precision medicine are enticing, spurring enterprising researches around the world. Today genetic testing is available for over 2,000 clinical conditions and the number of available diagnostic test is increasing exponentially."
Mr. Tony Yung, Chief Executive of Sanomics, said: "Our work on precision medicine effectively supports the decision-making of oncologists based on information about genetic alternations in tumour DNA. Once clinically significant genetic alternations are identified, specific treatments can be aimed at the tumours. These have a much higher chance of achieving desirable clinical outcomes."
Hong Kong, S.A.R., China has a key role in research and dissemination of knowledge on cancer
"The uniqueness of Sanomics’ approach is making use of bodily fluids, such as blood, to screen for genetic alternations when tumour tissues are not available. We call it "liquid biopsy", which is faster, less risky, more convenient and more practical in the clinical setting. We are now building Asia’s first hub for liquid biopsy here in Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Special Administrative Region of China, and will lead the region in the use of genomics for personalized management of cancer," said Mr. Yung. "The breakthroughs we achieved not only exemplify the research and development excellence of Hong Kong, S.A.R., China Special Administrative Region of China’s biomedical experts but also our strengths to identify and resolve challenges for the Asia healthcare sector."
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