The reception and working session with the LAmB-FAST research team from Duke University brought together leading medical experts. Associate Professor Thuy Le, MD, PhD (Duke University), representing the research group, presented the study orientation. On behalf of Bach Mai Hospital, attendees included Associate Professor Dao Xuan Co, MD, PhD – Hospital Director, along with key leaders and experts: Associate Professor Vu Van Giap, MD, PhD – Deputy Director; Dr. Do Van Thanh – Head of Personnel Department; Dr. Doan Thu Tra, MD – Acting Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine; Dr. Le Anh Thu, MD, PhD – Deputy Director of the Institute of Training and Medical Research; Associate Professor Nguyen Hoang Anh, MD, PhD – Deputy Head of the Department of Pharmacy; Associate Professor Pham Hong Nhung, MD, PhD – Deputy Head of the Department of Microbiology, and representatives from various relevant departments.

Medical Context and the Need for the Study

According to Associate Professor Dao Xuan Co, invasive fungal infections remain one of the major global health challenges. As highlighted during the meeting, fungal diseases cause more than 1.6 million deaths annually and have long-term impacts on hundreds of millions of people worldwide. He also shared insights into the current status and development trends of this field in Vietnam, noting that clinical pharmacy research still holds significant potential, particularly at Bach Mai Hospital – a leading tertiary general hospital in northern Vietnam.

In 2022, the World Health Organization published a list of priority fungal pathogens for research and development, including Candida, Aspergillus, Mucorales (black fungi), and Talaromyces. In this context, promoting in-depth research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is an urgent priority. Emerging approaches extend beyond antifungal therapies to include granulocyte transfusion and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, reflecting a comprehensive, multimodal treatment trend.

Key Discussions on the LAmB-FAST Study Implementation

The LAmB-FAST study is a multicenter clinical trial designed to evaluate a novel antifungal treatment regimen in HIV patients, a population at high risk for invasive fungal infections due to immunosuppression.

The study is expected to provide critical scientific evidence for developing future treatment guidelines at both national and international levels. In addition, its findings will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of fungal diseases, thereby informing more effective intervention strategies.

Associate Professor Thuy Le (Duke University) presented an overview of the study procedures, including the study design, patient selection criteria, and requirements for data collection and management, while emphasizing the urgency and importance of the research.

Implementation Plan at Bach Mai Hospital

During the meeting, detailed technical content was presented, including the LAmB-FAST study implementation process at Bach Mai Hospital, reported by Specialist Level II Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chi, MD.

Key components discussed included: the study implementation workflow at the hospital; data entry systems and data management platforms; case report forms (CRFs); and coordination mechanisms among professional units.

Multidisciplinary collaboration among the Institute of Tropical Medicine, laboratory departments, pharmacy units, and other related departments was identified as a critical factor to ensure adherence to protocols and the achievement of high-quality research outcomes.

Role of Bach Mai Hospital and Future Collaboration Directions

Bach Mai Hospital has been identified as one of the principal study sites for the LAmB-FAST project. With its modern infrastructure, extensive experience in conducting large-scale clinical trials, and highly qualified workforce, the hospital is expected to contribute valuable data to the study.

Speaking at the meeting, Associate Professor Dao Xuan Co emphasized the hospital’s commitment to expanding international partnerships-not only within the scope of this study but also in broader areas such as research, training, and human resource development related to fungal diseases, tropical medicine, and other medical specialties.

The implementation of the LAmB-FAST study holds not only scientific significance but also contributes to strengthening clinical research capacity, gradually enabling Vietnam to integrate more deeply into the global medical research network.

The meeting concluded successfully, delivering significant academic and practical value to Vietnam’s healthcare sector, while marking an important milestone in the advancement of clinical medicine at Bach Mai Hospital.