UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center leaders traveled to the Philippines in 2023 to collaborate with doctors at Makati Medical Center on the latest oncology treatments. They took part in a postgraduate course in oncology jointly organized by the cancer center and Makati Medical Center, in the metropolitan Manila area.

The symposium was established after the two centers signed a memorandum of understanding creating a partnership to work together on cancer care and research, and to provide educational opportunities for physicians and staff.

Speakers included cancer center Director Primo “Lucky” Lara Jr., former Physician-in-Chief Richard Bold and Associate Director for Clinical Research Megan Daly. Other cancer center leaders who attended the event included Chief Administrative Officer Gina Dayton and Executive Director of UC Davis Health Integrated Service Lines, the Cancer Care Network and Regional Affiliates Kristin Mensonides.

“The collaboration between our cancer center and Makati Medical Center brings together the many talents and passions of local and international physicians and researchers who are devoted to solving the problem of cancer across the entire spectrum, from prevention to survivorship, worldwide,” Lara said. “As we continue to develop our global oncology partnership, we will advance our unique second opinion program at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, creating innovative training initiatives in oncology.”

Eventually, administrators and researchers at the two institutions hope to develop an international cancer care network that leads to clinical trial collaboration and cancer research opportunities.