Raffles Medical Group and Gene Solutions have formed a strategic partnership to revolutionize cancer clinical trial access across Southeast Asia, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on October 22, 2025. The collaboration aims to streamline patient recruitment for oncology clinical trials and advance precision medicine in the region.
Automated Patient Screening Through Genomic Profiling
Under the partnership, patients undergoing Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) via Gene Solutions will be automatically screened for clinical trial eligibility. The Group's Clinical Trials Unit will work closely with local oncologists to facilitate patient enrollment, removing traditional barriers that have historically limited access to innovative cancer studies.
"Raffles Medical Group is delighted to partner with Gene Solutions to bring cutting-edge clinical trials to patients in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia. This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes," says Wilson Lai, General Manager of Raffles Medical Indochina.
Next Generation Sequencing Technology
Gene Solutions employs Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to decode cancer genetic profiles and identify patients who may respond to advanced treatments. The company's signature oncology test, K-4CARE, operates under the tagline "Unveiling details, unlocking hope," emphasizing how understanding a tumor's DNA and RNA profile increases patients' chances of accessing approved drugs or joining global clinical trials.
Dr. Nguyen Huu Nguyen, Co-founder and Deputy CEO of Gene Solutions, explains the partnership's potential: "With one of the largest market shares for comprehensive genomic profiling across Southeast Asia, Gene Solutions can pre-screen a vast pool of patients and identify those who may benefit from clinical trials. By combining this capability with Raffles' clinical excellence, we can accelerate access to promising new therapies for patients throughout the region."
Clinical Expertise and Infrastructure
Raffles Medical Group brings extensive experience in cancer care and clinical research to the partnership. Through its Raffles Cancer Centre and dedicated Clinical Trials Unit, the Group has participated in more than 50 international studies, ensuring patients receive access to promising therapies under rigorous safety and ethical standards.
Professor Yasuo Saijo, Medical Oncologist at Raffles Medical Indochina, highlighted the transformative impact of genomic insights: "For oncologists, genomic insights are transforming how we approach cancer care. 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, tailoring treatment to each patient's unique biology, and improving both outcomes and quality of life."
First Clinical Trial: KRYSTAL-7
The collaboration will launch with KRYSTAL-7, a global study enrolling participants diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with KRAS G12C mutation who have received no prior treatments. This represents the first of many clinical trials planned under the partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation and international cooperation.
Addressing Precision Medicine Needs
Modern cancer treatments are evolving beyond "one-size-fits-all" approaches toward precision therapies that target specific genetic changes or immune pathways driving cancer growth. While many targeted therapies have received approval, numerous genes and mutations remain without effective treatments, highlighting the critical need for additional clinical trials to evaluate new therapeutic options.
Gene Solutions has delivered over two million genetic tests since 2017 and operates CAP-accredited laboratories across the Asia-Pacific region. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio including next-generation non-invasive prenatal testing, multi-cancer screening using circulating tumor DNA technology, and comprehensive genomic profiling combined with molecular residual disease monitoring.
