Raffles Medical and Gene Solutions Join Forces to Enhance Cancer Trials

Raffles Medical Group and Gene Solutions have announced a partnership aimed at enhancing access to oncology clinical trials in Southeast Asia. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 22, 2025, to streamline patient recruitment for clinical trials that focus on cancer treatments. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the realm of precision medicine within the region.

Under the terms of the partnership, Raffles Medical Group will work with Gene Solutions to identify patients eligible for pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials. Patients undergoing Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) through Gene Solutions will automatically be screened for eligibility. The Group’s Clinical Trials Unit will collaborate closely with local oncologists, facilitating a smoother patient enrolment process. This initiative seeks to increase access to innovative cancer treatments and promote equitable participation in clinical trials across Southeast Asia.

Improving Patient Opportunities

Patients in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia stand to benefit significantly from this collaboration. The streamlined approach will eliminate traditional barriers that often hinder participation in clinical trials. Patients and their families will receive guidance throughout the treatment journey, from initial genetic testing to ongoing clinical care, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Precision medicine moves beyond conventional treatment methods by focusing on specific genetic changes or immune pathways that drive cancer growth. Although many targeted therapies are already available, numerous genes and mutations still lack effective treatments. The need for more clinical trials is vital to evaluate new therapies and provide hope to patients.

Gene Solutions employs Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to decode cancer’s genetic profile. This method helps identify patients who may respond positively to advanced treatments. Without such testing, many individuals might remain unaware of their eligibility for potentially life-changing clinical trials. As stated in Gene Solutions’ tagline for its K-4CARE oncology test, “Unveiling details, unlocking hope,” a deeper understanding of a tumor’s DNA and RNA profile increases the chances of patients accessing approved drugs or participating in global clinical trials.

Expert Insights and Future Plans

Professor Yasuo Saijo, Medical Oncologist at Raffles Medical Indochina, emphasized the importance of genomic insights in cancer care. He noted, “By understanding the tumor’s genetic and transcriptomic profile, we can make more informed decisions, such as selecting the right therapy at the right time.” This tailored approach aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Raffles Medical Group, with decades of experience in high-quality cancer care and clinical trials, has participated in over 50 international studies. Their Raffles Cancer Centre and dedicated Clinical Trials Unit ensure that patients receive access to promising therapies while adhering to the highest standards of safety and ethics. The Group’s multi-disciplinary approach and advanced facilities have established it as a trusted provider of complex cancer care and innovative treatments throughout Southeast Asia.

The first clinical trial under this partnership will be KRYSTAL-7, which aims to recruit participants diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12C mutation who have not received prior treatments. This study reflects the commitment of both Raffles Medical Group and Gene Solutions to enhancing patient outcomes through innovation and international collaboration.

Mr. Wilson Lai, General Manager of Raffles Medical Indochina, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Raffles Medical Group is delighted to partner with Gene Solutions to bring cutting-edge clinical trials to patients in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.” Dr. Nguyen Huu Nguyen, Co-founder and Deputy CEO of Gene Solutions, added, “With one of the largest market shares for comprehensive genomic profiling across Southeast Asia, Gene Solutions can pre-screen a vast pool of patients.” This collaboration is set to accelerate access to new therapies for patients throughout the region.

As the field of precision medicine continues to evolve, this partnership represents a crucial step toward making advanced cancer treatments more accessible and equitable for patients throughout Southeast Asia.