Precision medicine has become one of the major focuses of medical development in many countries, especially in the field of cancer treatment. As the causes of cancers are highly associated with genes and environmental factors, it is essential to define the gene expression, culture and life style of the people in a region, because, through those information, the researchers will be able to find out the best treatment for individual patients in this region. The National Health Research Institute (NHRI) and the industry signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) on the 14th to jointly establish a gene bank so as to lay down the foundation for the development of precision medicine in Taiwan.
This MoC was signed between NHRI and Roche and by Liang Kung-Yee, the President of the NHRI, and Hsu Ai-Ling, the General Manager of Roche Taiwan. The event was witnessed by Dr Chen Shih-Chung, the MOHW Minister, and Mr Ron Park, the Vice CEO of the Personalized Medicine Division of Roche. The purposes of this MoC are to enhance the use of genetic testing on cancers, to establish a medication mechanism for personalized treatments and to create a national gene bank.
Precision medicine has changed the treatment strategy from a universal application to a personalized approach.
Dr Chen Shih-Chung said in his speech that he hopes the cooperation will result in the establishment of a precision healthcare system in Taiwan, which provides personalized treatments, improves healthcare quality and reduces healthcare expenses.
According to Liang Kung-Yi, the objectives of this cooperation include the establishment of a national gene bank and a personalized medication mechanism so as to help cancer patients to access therapies responding to gene mutation.
Dr Lai Hung-Chih of HsinKong Memorial Hospital expressed that there is no doubt that big data will dominate the medical industry in the future. He is optimistic about the establishment of a national gene bank, which will serve as the foundation for the development of precision medicine.
Mr Ron Park expressed that the ultimate goal is to provide better treatments for cancer patients. He hopes the results of the corporation will bring benefits to the patients, doctors and the healthcare environment.
【2019-11-15/ United Daily】
