IE Medica Oncology and Philippine Society of Medical Oncology Host Symposium on Innovations in Breast Cancer Treatment
(L-R) Dr. Joseph Tovera, Medical Director, Dr. Josephine Contreras Tolentino, Overall Chair, Dr. Hilton Lam, Speaker , Dr. Kenneth Samala, Speaker, Dr. Vikas Talreja, Speaker, Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, Speaker, Ms. Monaliza Salian, President and CEO of Salian Group of Companies, Ms. Mavic Sugapong, COO of I.E. Medica and MedEthix, Dra. Jasmin Igama, Scientific Committee Chair
Baguio City, Philippines— April 26, 2025
IE Medica Oncology, in partnership with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), gathered leading experts at the Baguio Country Club to discuss groundbreaking advancements in breast cancer care at the forum titled “Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Treatment Through Innovation and Advocacy.”
The event brought together prominent oncologists and healthcare leaders, including Dr. Joseph Tovera (Medical Oncologist), Dr. Kenneth Samala (Thoracic Oncology Fellow, University of Alberta-Cross Cancer Institute), Dr. Hilton Lam (Director, Institute of Health Policy and Developmental Studies, National Institute of Health), Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar (Director and Head, Sarvodaya Cancer Institute), and Dr. Vikas Talreja (Specialist Registrar and Associate Professor, Tata Memorial Hospital).
The discussions centered on three key innovations driving the future of breast cancer treatment:
● Nanotechnology in Chemotherapy: Experts explored how targeted nanotechnology can improve chemotherapy precision, allowing drugs to attack cancer cells directly while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissue.
● Empowering Patients Through Biosimilars: The session highlighted the role of biosimilar Trastuzumab as a safe and effective alternative for breast cancer patients requiring biologic therapies. Greater access to biosimilars is expected to drive improved treatment outcomes.
● Expanding Access and Assistance Programs: Emphasis was placed on strengthening programs that improve patient access to standards of care. Collaboration between healthcare providers and patients through access initiatives was underscored as vital for improving treatment adherence and survival rates.
In her opening remarks, Monaliza B. Salian, President and CEO of IE Medica, stated:
“We’ve always believed that healthcare should be accessible to every Filipino. Our Oncology Business Unit is a reflection of our collective commitment to cancer patients. We recognize the urgent need for more accessible and advanced treatment options, and we are continuously working to expand our portfolio with solutions that align with both innovation and affordability.
Of course, none of this can be done alone. Collaboration is key, and we’re committed to working alongside organizations like the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology to drive progress forward—whether it’s through research, policy advocacy, or enhancing training programs for medical professionals. Because at the end of the day, we all share the same goal: to give every cancer patient in the Philippines access to the care they need.”
The symposium concluded with a strong call to continue pushing for innovation and advocacy to ensure that breast cancer patients across the Philippines gain access to advanced, life-saving treatments. IE Medica Oncology’s growth in this space reflects that commitment: the business unit now promotes 11 brands across 19 SKUs designed to meet the needs of both patients and physicians. These advancements are supported by the i-CAN Patient Support Program, which offers free lab testing and chemotherapy bundles to reduce the burden of cancer care.
Both IE Medica Oncology and PSMO are aligned in their mission: to bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility, and to ensure that every Filipino cancer patient receives timely, effective, and affordable care through continued research, strategic partnerships, and patient-focused programs.
