“In Japan, 65% of cancer patients survive over five years and this rate continues to increase annually. Doctors hope that in the future, cancer can be treated as a manageable chronic disease, like diabetes or hypertension,” said Professor Yasuo Saijo.
Prof. Dr. Saijo Yasuo is a top expert in internal oncology with over 40 years of experience. He has held numerous key positions in renowned hospitals in Japan, including as former Head of Department of Internal Oncology at Hirosaki University Hospital and Professor at Tohoku University Hospital. Now, with two decades of experience in respiratory internal medicine, specializing in lung cancer, and thousands of cancer cases such as head and neck, thyroid, breast, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, etc, he brings his expertise to Vietnam, working full-time to treat patients at American International Hospital (AIH) directly.
In a conversation with us, Dr. Saijo shared fresh perspectives and updated insights on the current breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
Nowadays, cancer treatment methods have made new breakthroughs, significantly controlling side effects.
In Vietnam and many other countries today, cancer is often seen as a “death sentence” with treatment typically aimed at prolonging life or providing palliative care. What are your thoughts on this?
I observe that cancer remains a serious illness with a high mortality rate in Vietnam. However, in Japan, 65% of cancer patients survive over five years and this rate continues to increase annually. Even metastatic cancer can have extended survival period, and in some cases, patients can be cured. I hope that in the future, cancer can be treated as a manageable chronic disease, like diabetes or hypertension.
Beyond physical treatment, cancer patients also need psychological support to inspire hope and motivation to fight the disease. Is that correct?
Humans have not only physical health but also mental health needs. Especially in Asian countries like Japan and Vietnam, family bonds play a critical role, so close family support can greatly assist patients in their fight against the disease.
At AIH, we work across multiple specialties, combining input from departments such as nutrition and psychology to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This multidisciplinary approach helps improve patients’ overall condition in many aspects.
Over your 40-year career, is there a particular case or patient you remember the most?
Each patient has a unique story, but I particularly remember my first patient – a young man with stage 4 lung cancer. He believed he could overcome the illness and live long enough to fulfill his remaining plans. Unfortunately, chemotherapy treatments from 40 years ago had numerous side effects and delivered limited effectiveness. After just a few months of treatment filled with intense pain, he passed away from exhaustion caused by the chemotherapy.
What medical advancements have brought hope to cancer patients today?
Fortunately, thanks to recent scientific and medical advancements, we now have many new cancer treatment options and supportive drugs that alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and have a higher quality of life. Over the past decade, survival rates for cancer patients have significantly improved.
Many people argue that cancer is a disease that consumes vast amounts of money, especially due to pricey medications. What are your thoughts on this?
Regular cancer screenings and early detection are crucial to treating cancer in a timely manner. Once surgery or intensive treatment is needed, cases can become more advanced or prone to recurrence, leading to the necessity of expensive specialized drugs. Today, however, some proprietary drugs have been replaced by generics, which helps reduce patient costs.
Many patients in Vietnam seek treatment abroad in places like Singapore, Japan or the United States… drawn by advanced treatment protocols and modern equipment. However, given the long-term nature of cancer treatment, this is often prohibitively expensive. Providing treatment at local hospitals with medical standards equivalent to those in developed countries not only helps reduce the load on public hospitals but also makes treatment more convenient and affordable for patients. This is the rationale behind the collaboration between AIH and Raffles Hospital, Singapore’s leading private hospital.
Striving to bring more hope to cancer patients in Vietnam
While working in Japan, what motivated you to take up full-time work at AIH in Vietnam? What potential do you see in this collaboration?
AIH has signed a medical cooperation agreement with Raffles Hospital Singapore, under which both parties have jointly established AIH Oncology Center and invited several specialists to collaborate. This center will soon include additional experts from Raffles Hospital Singapore and experienced Vietnamese doctors, who will jointly treat patients and provide second opinions through regular consultations.
This collaboration allows me to bring my expertise to treat Vietnamese patients and connect with my colleagues globally, contributing to the development and application of effective treatment methods for cancer patients.
What are the primary differences in today’s cancer treatment approaches compared to previous methods?
Instead of solely using chemotherapy, we now have advanced cancer treatment options like targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack genetic changes in cancer cells without affecting healthy cells, and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments to optimize results. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, stimulates the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy foreign particles or cancer cells more effectively.
At AIH, we are preparing to apply both methods to improve treatment outcomes. Alongside chemotherapy, we also use supportive drugs to help mitigate side effects.
In the past, chemotherapy caused significant concern due to its side effects. However, thanks to modern supportive drugs, the treatment process is now much more manageable. Additionally, the risk of infection due to white blood cell reduction in chemotherapy is now controlled with bone marrow suppressants. With new methods like immunotherapy, cancer patient survival rates have increased dramatically; many of my patients have lived healthily for over five years after treatment.
When choosing a treatment facility, what factors should cancer patients consider to ensure safe, effective and comprehensive care?
Cancer treatment requires time and perseverance. To ensure patients receive the best care and have a better chance of recovery and quality of life, patients should first select a healthcare facility with a specialized team of experienced oncology doctors for accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
The second factor is advanced medical equipment, such as CT, MRI, PET scan systems, which are essential for determining the disease stage and monitor treatment effectiveness. The third and equally important criterion is the emergency team, supported by interdisciplinary departments such as nutrition, psychology and rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.
Finally, do you have any advice for those currently undergoing cancer treatment?
Hold on to hope and never give up. With new drugs and treatment methods constantly emerging, advances in medical science are on your side. Surviving even just 1-2 years can open the door to more advanced treatments.
Thank you very much, Dr. Saijo Yasuo
AIH Oncology Center is a flagship project in the 2025 strategic partnership between American International Hospital (AIH) and Raffles Hospital Singapore, focusing on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment to international standards. The center operates under close coordination between the medical teams from both hospitals.
Patients registered at AIH Oncology Center benefit from consultation and clinical evaluation from Raffles Singapore experts on diagnostic imaging and pathology, along with access to high-tech treatment methods such as robotic surgery and proton therapy.
In 2024, AIH has also established the Expatriate Care by Raffles Specialists Clinic, featuring experts from multiple countries across various specialties – including orthopedics, pediatrics, oncology and internal medicine – providing comprehensive medical services.
