Nghe An Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center Achieves Initial Success in Blood Cancer Treatment, Moving Toward Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

To meet the growing needs of patients with malignant blood diseases, the Nghe An Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center has clearly defined its development orientation toward becoming a specialized Hematology and Blood Transfusion hospital. In this direction, implementing blood cancer treatment and moving toward hematopoietic stem cell transplantation represent a breakthrough step of decisive significance.

Meritorious Physician, Specialist Doctor Level II Nguyen Dinh Khue, Director of the Center, emphasized: “Blood cancer treatment is a highly specialized technique in the field of Hematology. It is both a prerequisite and a foundation for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To implement it, we have carried out a thorough preparation process, from human resource training, equipment investment, and facility renovation to the development of professional procedures...”

The preparation process received support from the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion through detailed planning, intensive doctor training, hands-on guidance, technical service transfer contracts, remote consultations, as well as support from the Nghe An Department of Health and the consensus and cooperation of patients. All of these efforts have helped improve professional capacity and ensure maximum safety for patients during treatment.

 

Currently, the Center has three clinical departments with 120 hospital beds, and its facilities meet required standards. With 110 doctors, nurses, and technicians, the Center has built a team with in-depth expertise in Hematology and Blood Transfusion, including Specialist Doctor Level II, Specialist Doctor Level I, resident doctors, university-trained nurses, and university-trained pharmacists who have received training and technology transfer in treatment, patient care, and chemotherapy drug preparation. This is a key force, as human resources are the decisive factor in blood cancer treatment.

Medical equipment for blood cancer treatment has been relatively fully invested in, including emergency beds, medical oxygen systems, vital signs monitors, electric syringe pumps, infusion pumps, ventilators, sputum suction machines, nebulizers, warming devices, and more. These devices ensure emergency response capacity, continuous monitoring, and management of complications for patients.

The Center has also prepared a diverse list of chemotherapy drugs, including medication groups for treating acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma. In parallel, emergency and supportive medications are also available, such as vasopressors, broad-spectrum antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral drugs, hematopoietic growth factors, medications to reduce chemotherapy toxicity, antiemetics, pain relievers, sedatives, antipyretics, intravenous fluids, and electrolytes.

 

A specialized testing system has also been established, covering peripheral blood cell testing, bone marrow aspiration, bone marrow biopsy, genetic and chromosomal analysis, flow cytometry, diagnostic imaging, and serological testing. These tests help provide accurate diagnosis, closely monitor treatment progress, and promptly detect complications.

A blood bank with a scale of 150,000 units of blood/blood components ensures both quantity and quality to serve blood cancer treatment.

August 2025 marked a turning point when the Nghe An Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center officially began treating blood cancer in its first patients. The implementation followed a cautious roadmap, starting with mild cases and closely coordinating with the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion to ensure strict compliance with professional protocols and maximum patient safety.

The patients admitted were mainly those who had already received one to two treatment courses at central-level hospitals and were then transferred back to Nghe An to continue chemotherapy. This approach not only helps patients reduce costs and the burden of travel, but also helps doctors at the Center gain experience and gradually master the technique.

Meritorious Physician, Specialist Doctor Level II Nguyen Dinh Khue shared: “Patients with malignant blood diseases face a long and challenging treatment journey. Previously, most patients from Nghe An and Ha Tinh had to travel to Hanoi, which was very costly and difficult. Now, they can be treated locally, helping reduce the burden on central hospitals while easing hardship for patients and their families.”

The first patient treated at the Center was from Ha Tinh and received the third course of chemotherapy after completing two previous courses at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. Initial results were positive: the patient responded well to the regimen, remained in stable health, and felt more comfortable mentally. This is an optimistic signal, opening opportunities for many other patients in the region.

This initial success affirms the Center’s sound direction in implementing blood cancer treatment locally and creates a solid foundation for advancing further along its professional roadmap.

Based on the foundation already established, the Nghe An Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center aims to master standard chemotherapy regimens in 2026 for more complex hematological diseases such as multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute leukemia.

According to the plan, in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, the Center will coordinate with the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion to select suitable patients for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This is an advanced technique that requires comprehensive preparation in terms of human resources, facilities, care procedures, and complication management.

The Center’s specific objectives include mastering standard chemotherapy regimens for multiple myeloma while preparing for stem cell transplantation; strengthening treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes using reduced-toxicity regimens, with attention to elderly patients and those with bone marrow failure; and implementing standard chemotherapy regimens for adult acute myeloid leukemia, ensuring complication control and maximum patient safety.

 

Meritorious Physician, Specialist Doctor Level II Nguyen Dinh Khue emphasized: “The initial success of blood cancer treatment techniques in Nghe An is not only professionally significant, but also an important milestone in the Center’s development journey. This is a solid foundation for moving toward a greater goal — performing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation locally, bringing survival opportunities to many patients and reducing the burden on families and society.”

In the context of the increasing number of patients with malignant hematological diseases, Nghe An’s ability to master blood cancer treatment techniques and move toward hematopoietic stem cell transplantation carries profound humanitarian significance. It not only enables patients to receive treatment in their hometown, reducing costs and psychological pressure, but also contributes to reducing the burden on central-level hospitals.

There are still many challenges ahead, but with thorough preparation, strong determination, support from the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and close attention from the Department of Health, the goal of performing stem cell transplantation in 2026 has a solid foundation to become a reality.

This initial success is not only a milestone for one healthcare unit, but also a new source of hope for thousands of patients and families across the North Central region.