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In a significant development for oncology care in Southeast Asia, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has officially approved the circulation of Pembroria, a Russian-manufactured cancer drug containing the advanced immunotherapy agent pembrolizumab. This authorization, valid for three years, marks a pivotal step in broadening patient access to cutting-edge treatments and enhancing Vietnam’s medical landscape.

A Modern Alternative to Chemotherapy
Pembrolizumab is not a traditional chemotherapy drug. It is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, a type of immunotherapy that works by enabling the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It has revolutionized care for more than 14 types of cancer, including lung, breast, cervical, colorectal, and kidney cancers.

Cost-Effective Access and Medical Tourism Potential
A key advantage of the newly approved Pembroria is its cost. Professor Le Van Quang, Director of Hanoi’s leading K Hospital, confirmed the drug has comparable effectiveness to its Western counterpart (Keytruda) but at a significantly lower price—approximately VND 18 million (about $730) per vial. K Hospital plans to soon make the drug available to patients.
This development strengthens Vietnam’s position in the healthcare sector. Alongside this drug approval, Vietnam is actively advancing its oncology capabilities through increased clinical trial participation and international collaborations in cancer research. For international patients, this represents access to world-class immunotherapy protocols at a different cost structure, potentially as part of a comprehensive medical and recovery journey in Vietnam.

Key Considerations for Patients

• Insurance: Currently, Pembroria is not covered by Vietnam’s national health insurance.
• Treatment Protocol: Most patients require two vials per treatment cycle, which is typically administered once a month.
• Expert Supervision: Treatment with pembrolizumab requires careful medical supervision by oncologists to determine patient eligibility and manage treatment regimens.

Explore Your Options in Vietnam
For more information on accessing advanced oncology treatments and coordinating care in Vietnam, visit www.medicaltourismvietnam.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment options must be discussed with a qualified oncologist who can assess individual patient suitability based on a complete medical history, cancer type, stage, and biomarker status.