The incidence of head and neck cancer, as well as esophageal cancer, is exceptionally high in Taiwan, especially among specific demographic groups. Within the medical field, treatment options for esophageal cancer and head and neck cancer through chemotherapy remain limited. Therefore, physicians treating these tumors strive to utilize clinical trials or investigator-initiated clinical trial programs to provide treatment to patients. The results from our participation in numerous clinical trials have demonstrated our ability to offer patients a more diverse range of treatment options, and we have garnered recognition both internationally and domestically. To further promote high-quality clinical trials in the fields of esophageal cancer and head and neck cancer, we have established the Head and Neck Cancer and Esophageal Cancer Alliance.

Aspect of international cooperation

The Head and Neck Cancer Esophageal Alliance is an international collaborative alliance comprised of leading medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and research organizations from around the world. This alliance is dedicated to research, diagnosis, and treatment of head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer, with the goal of improving patient survival rates and quality of life. One of the standout features of this alliance is its robust international collaboration network, which includes some key partners:

1. USA: The alliance collaborates with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company based in the United States, to jointly develop innovative anti-cancer drugs, explore new treatment approaches, and expedite the progress of clinical trials.
2. Taiwan: This company is a renowned biopharmaceutical company in Taiwan, partnering with the alliance for the research and development of new drugs, focusing on innovative treatments for head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer.
3. Taiwan: A company dedicated to biomedical research and clinical trials, collaborating with the alliance to advance research in various new therapies.
4. UK: An internationally renowned pharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom, collaborates with the alliance, providing technical support and expertise in drug development.
5. Taiwan: This Taiwanese company specializes in the development of biopharmaceuticals and works with the alliance to promote the application of biopharmaceuticals in the treatment of head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer.
6. USA: This company is a global pharmaceutical and diagnostic company headquartered in the United States. They partner with the alliance to conduct research and clinical trials related to head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer.
7. Switzerland: This company is a Swiss biopharmaceutical company collaborating with the alliance to explore new treatment approaches and innovate in cancer research.
8. National Institutes of Health, Taiwan: The National Institutes of Health in Taiwan is a national medical research institution. They collaborate with the alliance, providing research funding and resource support to advance research on head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer.
9. USA: This company is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in the United States. They collaborate with the alliance, dedicating their efforts to developing new biopharmaceuticals for more effective treatment options.
10. China: This company is a Chinese biopharmaceutical company partnering with the alliance to conduct research projects related to head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer.
11. USA: This is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in the United States. They collaborate with the alliance, focusing on the development of new therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted treatments.
12. Germany: This is a well-known pharmaceutical company based in Germany. They collaborate with the alliance, jointly contributing to research and innovation in the field of cancer.
    The participation of these international partners allows the Head and Neck Esophageal Cancer Alliance to leverage their respective expertise and resources, accelerate the development of new drugs and clinical trials, and provide better treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer, advancing cancer research and treatment.

In Taiwan, the number of new cases of head and neck cancer exceeds 10,000 every year, with the majority being in advanced stages, often requiring total laryngectomy surgery. The treatment team at Taipei Veterans General Hospital has developed a "preoperative chemoradiotherapy combination" approach, which reduces the size of tumors before surgery, preserving laryngeal function, and achieving a 70% three-year survival rate. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nut chewing are the primary risk factors.
For example, Mr. Wu, a 60-year-old patient, underwent treatment that preserved his laryngeal function, and he has not experienced a recurrence. Early symptoms of head and neck cancer are often not apparent, leading to a high rate of late-stage diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. To prevent head and neck cancer, it is crucial to avoid carcinogenic factors, eliminate unhealthy habits, be vigilant about any neck abnormalities, and seek medical attention early.
Taipei Veterans General Hospital has achieved excellent results in the treatment of head and neck cancer, enhancing the quality of life for patients.