Memorial Sloan Kettering and the Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group Strengthen International Collaboration During Annual Symposium

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, December 22, 2020

The article highlights the 3rd annual MSK-CTONG Symposium, which brought together medical experts, industry leaders, and government regulators to discuss international clinical trials, with a focus on US-China collaboration. Key speakers like Honorable Kevin Rudd emphasized the importance of cooperation in fighting cancer. The collaboration between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group (CTONG) aims to conduct joint clinical trials for lung cancer treatments. This partnership, established in 2018, facilitates the sharing of knowledge, resources, and therapies between the two nations.

The collaboration between MSK and CTONG aligns with a new regulatory environment in China that allows for expedited approval of new drugs. The partnership leverages this regulatory change to accelerate the development and approval of new therapies for cancer patients. By working together under initiatives like Project Orbis, US and Chinese researchers can align efforts for quicker approvals and enhance patient care globally. Through this collaboration, innovative science, precision medicine, and targeted therapies for lung cancer are being advanced at a faster pace.

The launch of the first US-China multicenter clinical trial signifies a major milestone in the MSK-CTONG partnership. This achievement sets the stage for further international collaborations in clinical trials, particularly in phase 1 trials translating laboratory science to patient care. The symposium participants, including industry collaborators and regulatory agencies, are committed to fostering a harmonized and transparent framework for cancer medicine development. The ultimate goal is to deliver improved treatments rapidly to patients in the US, China, and worldwide, showcasing the impact of global cooperation in advancing cancer research and care.

For more information, visit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website.