HKUMed Successfully holds ‘Interdisciplinary and Composite Talents in Medicine, Disease Prevention and Control, and Management Training Programme'

Under the auspices of the National Health Commission (NHC), the inaugural ‘Interdisciplinary and Composite Talents in Medicine, Disease Prevention and Control, and Management Training Programme', organised by the School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), concluded successfully after three weeks of intensive training. This initiative was made possible through a generous donation from the Institute of Philanthropy Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland.

The inaugural ‘Interdisciplinary and Composite Talents in Medicine, Disease Prevention and Control, and Management Training Programme’, organised by the School of Public Health, HKUMed, concluded successfully after three weeks of intensive training

The inaugural training programme brought together 24 participants from the NHC, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, and other directly affiliated and related organisations. The programme featured 52 experts from various departments and disciplines at HKU, as well as international organisations and non-governmental organisations, who participated in both in-person and online teaching sessions. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions in three key areas: Hong Kong's healthcare system and global health governance, medical regulation and public health talent development, and emerging medical technologies and international collaboration trends. It provided participants with comprehensive expertise while facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and cross-disciplinary knowledge in healthcare leadership.

The School was honoured to welcome Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (HKSAR), and Chairman of the GX Foundation, for an Exchange Session at HKU. Mr Leung shared the GX Foundation's mission, objectives, and achievements in delivering international humanitarian aid across eight Belt and Road countries. He emphasised, ‘As Chinese people, we now have the capacity to extend our reach globally with the spirit of connectivity and shared prosperity, working together to build a global community of health for all.' His vision deeply inspired all participants. Mr Lester Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, also attended the event, engaging with participants and sharing his perspectives on philanthropy and leadership, further reinforcing the programme's mission to cultivate well-rounded professionals equipped to address global health challenges.

Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, former Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Chairman of the GX Foundation, participated in the Exchange Session at HKU

Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Government of the HKSAR, officiated at the opening ceremony and delivered the welcome remarks. Led by Professor Vivian Lin Kwang-wen, Honorary Professor in the School of Public Health of HKUMed and former Director of Health Systems for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Regional Office, renowned health and medical experts were brought together from around the world to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and expand their horizons. Distinguished guest speakers were Dr Margaret Chan, Founding Dean of the Vanke School of Public Health of Tsinghua University and Emeritus Director-General of the WHO; Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Senior Advisor of the HKU President's Office, Professor and Director of the HKU Primary Health Care Academy, Professor in the School of Public Health of HKUMed, and former Secretary for Food and Health of the Government of the HKSAR; Professor Kenneth Cheung Man-chee, Hospital Chief Executive of the HKU-Shenzhen Hospital; Professor Gong Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of HKU; Dr Tony Ko, former Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority of the Government of the HKSAR; Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health of the Government of the HKSAR; Professor Philip Li Kam-tao, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine; Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung, Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR; Professor Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at HKU and former Secretary for the Civil Service of the Government of the HKSAR; and Dr Pang Fei-chau, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Primary Healthcare Commission of the Health Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR.

Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Government of the HKSAR, officiated at the opening ceremony of the programme and delivered the welcome remarks

Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the unique features and strengths of Hong Kong's healthcare system through in-depth analysis by esteemed experts. Beyond theoretical learning, they actively participated in thematic lectures, case-based discussions, and field visits to a diverse range of healthcare institutions, such as Castle Peak Hospital, the HKBU Chinese Medicine Hospital Office, Gleneagles Hospital, GX Foundation, H.K.S.K.H. St. Luke's Settlement Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, the HKUMed Community Pharmacy, Hong Kong St. John Ambulance, and the Kwai Tsing District Health Centre. These immersive experiences allowed the participants to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's healthcare system and translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications. Through this enriching learning and hands-on exposure, the participants reinforced their professional knowledge and enhanced their practical skills and service capabilities, laying a solid foundation for their future development and application in the healthcare field.

To celebrate HKU's longstanding academic tradition, a Farewell and Thanksgiving Dinner was held at St. John's College. The following day, a certificate presentation ceremony was held at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, where remarks were delivered by Ms Li Wei, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of the NHC; Dr Gabriel Leung, Director of the Institute of Philanthropy; and Professor Lau Chak-sing, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong. Certificates of completion were presented to all participants by Professor Lau; Mr Fang Jianning, Deputy Director-General (Acting Chief) of the Health Human Resources Development Center of the NHC; and Mr Dylan Lu, Chief Mainland Representative of the Institute of Philanthropy, bringing the programme to a meaningful conclusion.

To celebrate HKU’s longstanding academic tradition, a Farewell and Thanksgiving Dinner was held at St. John’s College

The School of Public Health at HKUMed is confident that this training programme marks just the beginning of a fruitful collaboration. Future efforts will focus on deepening the partnership with the NHC through the establishment of a dedicated professional exchange platform. By sharing valuable insights and expertise, this initiative aims to foster renewed momentum in advancing the nation's public health initiatives.

A certificate presentation ceremony was held at The Hong Kong Jockey Club. VIPs in the front row (from left) are Mr Dylan Lu, Chief Mainland Representative of the Institute of Philanthropy; Dr Gabriel Leung, Director of the Institute of Philanthropy; Ms Li Wei, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of the National Health Commission (NHC); Mr Fang Jianning, Deputy Director-General (Acting Chief) of the Health Human Resources Development Center of the NHC; and Professor Lau Chak-sing, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine, HKU. Standing are the 24 participants in the inaugural training programme

Other Distinguished Guest Speakers of the Training Programme

Overseas Universities

• Dr Gerald Bloom, Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies from the University of Sussex in the UK;

• Professor Harvey Fineberg, Emeritus Professor of Health Policy and Management from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in the US;

• Professor Liang Zhanming, Associate Dean of Research Education, College of Business, Law and Governance at James Cook University in Australia; and

• Professor Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the UK.

International Organisations

• Dr Cristian Baeza, Executive Directors of the International Center for Health Systems Strengthening and the Center for Healthy Development;

• Dr Genevieve Howse, Coordinator Legislation and Governance at WHO Western Pacific;

• Dr Liviu Vedrasco, WHO Representative to Kyrgyzstan;

• Dr Xu Huan, Technical Officer of the WHO's Health Workforce Department; and

• Dr Xu Ke, Senior WHO Health Financing and Expenditure Analyst.

Non-governmental Organisations

• Dr Fan Ning, Founder of Health In Action and former President of Médecins Sans Frontières Hong Kong;

• Dr Alex Ng, President of Tencent Healthcare; and

• Dr Wang Hong, Senior Policy Advisor of Health Economics, Financing, and System Strengthening of the Gates Foundation.

HKU

• Professor Vivian Lou Wei-qun, Director of the Sau Po Centre on Ageing and Professor of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration

HKUMed

• Professor Kyongtae Tyler Bae, Chairperson and Clinical Professor of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor Carl Hildebrand, Assistant Professor of the Centre for Medical Ethics and Law;

• Professor Rina Hui Yee-man, Director and Clinical Professor at the Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor Kenny Kwan Yat-hong, Assistant Dean (MBBS Admissions) of HKUMed and Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor Clara Lau Bik-san, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy and the School of Chinese Medicine;

• Professor Gary Lau Kui-kai, Assistant Dean (Education Innovations) of HKUMed and Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor Pamela Lee Pui-wah, Assistant Dean (Clinical Curriculum) of HKUMed and Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor Gilberto Leung Ka-kit, Senior Advisor (Teaching & Learning) of HKUMed, Director of the School of Clinical Medicine, and Clinical Professor of the Department of Surgery;

• Professor Leung Wai-keung, Chief Director of the Clinical Trials Centre and Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine of the School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor Lin Chia-chin, Director of the School of Nursing;

• Professor Liu Pengtao, Managing Director of the InnoHK Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology and Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences;

• Professor Simon Lui Sai-yu, Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Psychiatry at the School of Clinical Medicine;

• Professor George Tipoe, Senior Advisor of the Bau Institute of Medical & Health Sciences Education and Associate Professor of the School of Biological Sciences;

• Professor Doris Yu Sau-fung, Associate Director of the Sau Po Centre on Ageing and Professor of the School of Nursing; and

• Professor Zhang Qingpeng, Associate Professor of the HKU Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science.

School of Public Health, HKUMed

• Professor David Bishai, Director and Clinical Professor;

• Honorary Professor Keiji Fukuda, Former Assistant Director-General of the WHO;

• Professor Dennis Ip Kai-ming, Clinical Associate Professor and Head of the Division of Community Medicine and Public Health Practice;

• Professor Lam Tai-hing, Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor;

• Professor Wendy Lam Wing-tak, Associate Professor, Head of the Division of Behavioural Sciences, MPH Programme Director and Director of the University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care;

• Professor Michael Y Ni, Clinical Associate Professor;

• Professor Željko Pedišić, Associate Professor;

• Professor Leo Poon Lit-man, Daniel C K Yu Professor in Virology, Chair Professor of Public Health Virology, Head of the Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences and Associate Dean (Human Capital) of HKUMed;

• Dr Nason Tan Day-seng, Senior Lecturer and former Regional Operations Support Unit Director at Médecins Sans Frontières Hong Kong;

• Professor Tian Linwei, Associate Professor; and

• Professor Joseph Wu Tsz-kei, Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Hong Kong and carries the highest mortality rate, not only locally but also globally. Professor Rina Hui, Director of the Centre for Cancer Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), said that cancer treatment is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with new breakthroughs emerging almost every fortnight. These include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that are often referred to as "smart chemotherapy", T-cell engagers, and bispecific antibodies, which combine two different antibodies.

With such rapid progress, the curriculum at HKU’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) needs to keep pace. About a year and a half ago, the faculty launched an eight-month integrated cancer medicine course to equip medical students with the latest clinical cancer technologies.

Professor Rina Hui, Director of the Centre for Cancer Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Photo by Bastille Post

Professor Hui told Bastille Post that, in Hong Kong, besides lung cancer, the most common cancers include colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. But lung cancer remains the biggest challenge, since its mortality rate is higher than the other three combined.

She said that besides smoking, other risk factors for lung cancer include second‑hand smoke, the second largest contributor, as well as family history, air pollution, kitchen fumes, occupational exposure (e.g., asbestos and radon), and prior radiotherapy. Smoking, however, remains by far the leading cause.

EGFR Mutations Common in HK Lung Adenocarcinoma

Professor Hui noted that Hong Kong's smoking rate has dropped to 8.5%, according to the latest figures released by the Health Bureau in April. While smoking‑related cancers like small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma are declining, lung adenocarcinoma is increasing, with half of patients carrying EGFR mutations. "Knowing the cancer type and genetic status is the first step for effective treatment," she said.

She also emphasised that the earlier one quits smoking, the lower the risk of getting cancer. "Quitting need not be abrupt. Nicotine patches and chewing gum can serve as supportive aids. The essential step is to discard all cigarettes, eliminate temptation, and reframe quitting as a long‑term health investment," she advised.

Professor Hui suggested that lung cancer screening is essential for high‑risk individuals. Photo source: reference image

Lung Cancer Screening: Essential for High‑Risk Individuals

Last year, the government announced plans to commission local universities to conduct AI‑assisted lung cancer screening. Professor Hui said that HKU and CUHK are currently running relevant trials, given their importance.

"High‑risk people, like those aged 50 to 75, heavy smokers (30 pack‑years), and those exposed to second‑hand smoke, should get screened regularly," she said. "Taiwan offers a noteworthy approach, where they screen non‑smokers with a family history of lung cancer."

She acknowledged that free lung cancer screening for every individual in Hong Kong is unlikely to be feasible at this stage, due to the high costs involved. However, screening could be carried out through collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers, targeting high‑risk groups. "As I tell my patients, getting screened is like saving up to pay taxes. You're actually gaining in the long run. Early detection means better outcomes and lower treatment costs."

She said that lung cancer treatment regimens are becoming increasingly advanced. "Patients with genetic alterations can use targeted therapies; those without can benefit from immunotherapy, and survival rates have improved significantly." However, she also pointed out that lung cancer remains the world's "number one cancer killer", underscoring the urgent need for continued related research and clinical trials.

Recognising the rapid evolution of cancer treatment, HKUMed has launched an eight‑month integrated cancer medicine course starting in October 2024. Photo source: reference image

New Course to Train Future Doctors

Recognising the rapid evolution of cancer treatment, HKUMed has launched an eight‑month integrated cancer medicine course starting in October 2024, which is delivered in six cohorts per year, ensuring that future doctors stay abreast of the latest developments. "We bring together surgeons, researchers, public health experts, oncologists (including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists), pathologists, and radiologists to teach medical students the basics of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, smart chemotherapy, and radiation, so that no matter what field they go into, they'll be able to handle cancer patients when they see them," she said.

New Cancer Treatments Bring New Hope

Beyond well‑established immunotherapy, Professor Hui highlighted emerging treatments:

One is called Antibody‑Drug Conjugate (ADC), often referred to as "smart chemotherapy" or "missile‑guided chemotherapy." "The antibody carries the chemotherapy drug, entering cancer cells with precision like a missile. When the linker dissolves, it releases the drug directly into the cancer cells, killing them effectively," she explained.

She noted that ADCs have now been proven to benefit patients with stage IV metastatic cancer. Clinical trials are currently combining these drugs with immunotherapy, and data have already shown effectiveness in early‑stage triple‑negative breast cancer patients.

Another future trend in cancer treatment is bispecific antibodies, which combine two different antibodies with fewer side effects and a synergistic effect. For example, VEGF bispecific antibodies combine the dual mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti‑angiogenic therapy, and have already shown effectiveness in cancers such as lung and breast cancer. Combining two targeted drugs also results in fewer side effects and better treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.

T‑Cell Engagers: A Breakthrough for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Professor Hui also mentioned a new treatment trend called T-cell engagers. "For example, a therapy targeting DLL3 on the surface of small cell lung cancer cells — on one side, it targets DLL3, and on the other side, it attracts the immune system's T-cells, which act like soldiers attacking the cancer cells together. This type of drug is already on the market and has been shown to improve overall survival in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. Clinical trials are currently exploring its use in first-line treatment and for stage III patients," she explained.

However, she pointed out that targeted therapy remains a future priority. Since many cancers occur due to genetic alterations, if the genes driving cancer growth can be identified, targeted medications can be utilized and show improved therapeutic efficacy across various cancers. For example, 60% to 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, and of those, 30% to 40% have PIK3CA gene mutations. "The corresponding targeted drugs are currently available in Hong Kong, but they are expensive. There is now a phase III clinical trial in which patients can use this type of medication for free, and may even have access to better new drugs. However, patients need to undergo genetic sequencing to confirm whether they have the corresponding genetic mutation before they can participate in the relevant trial," she said.

According to Professor Hui, since many cancers occur due to genetic alterations, if the genes driving cancer growth can be identified, targeted medications can be utilized and show improved therapeutic efficacy across various cancers. Photo by Bastille Post