Ramathibodi Hospital & Samitivej Hospital
join forces against cancer, sharing knowledge 
about a new treatment approach: 
The Cell Therapy & Gene Therapy 
Symposium 2025
 

This medical innovation involves transferring knowledge from public to private hospitals, with the aim of providing a lifeline for leukemia and lymphoma patients with cure rates of up to 70%.

It represents a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and the Samitivej Hospital network, setting a new milestone through the innovation of cell therapy and gene therapy to raise Thailand’s standard of care to an international level. This treatment creates modified immune cells that can directly attack cancer cells - the first of its kind in ASEAN.

This knowledge sharing was presented at the international symposium titled “The Cell Therapy & Gene Therapy Symposium 2025,” held on September 5, 2025 at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, and on September 6–7, 2025 at the Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok. It brought together experts from Thailand and abroad to share knowledge on topics such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in thalassemia patients, CAR T-cell innovations for treating drug-resistant leukemia and lymphoma, and advances in gene therapy, as well as the management of complications and world-class clinical research findings. The symposium reaffirmed Thailand’s role in becoming a leader in advanced medical technology for disease treatment.

Professor Suradej Hongeng, MD, Deputy Dean for Special Affairs and Head of the Center of Excellence for Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, explained that both thalassemia and leukemia are leading causes of death in children and adults. However, advances in medical science have paved the way for new treatment approaches that improve patients’ chances of survival.
At present, in addition to chemotherapy, there are other important treatment options such as bone marrow transplantation for patients with thalassemia, certain types of cancer, and primary immunodeficiency disorders. In particular, haploidentical stem cell transplantation—using stem cells from a parent or family member, has shown remarkable results: children who received this transplant achieved a one-year survival rate of up to 100%. For leukemia and lymphoma, CAR T-cell therapy—a form of cell and gene therapy—has proven effective, especially for patients who do not respond to existing medications, which account for about 30% of cases. This method involves collecting the patient’s white blood cells, genetically modifying them in the laboratory, and reinfusing them so that they can directly attack the cancer cells. This approach offers new hope for patients once considered untreatable, with success rates of up to 70%, while also reducing treatment costs by more than five times.

Clinical Professor Arthit Angkhananont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, stated that this symposium—a collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and the Samitivej Hospital network—aims to elevate treatment to international standards by incorporating cell therapy and gene therapy. It also represents the transfer of technology from the public to the private sector, enhancing access to advanced technology and high standards of care, while reducing limitations related to treatment locations and waiting times. Moreover, this collaboration can be expanded to neighboring ASEAN countries, increasing opportunities for patients in the region to access cutting-edge innovations. The exchange of knowledge with experts worldwide not only strengthens the capabilities of Thai medical professionals but also provides patients access to advanced treatments and new hope in overcoming serious diseases.

Surangkana Techapaiboon, M.D., Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Samitivej and BNH Hospitals and Director of Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, stated: “Samitivej has extensive expertise and experience, having operated a pediatric cancer care center and provided bone marrow transplantation services for more than 20 years. In collaboration with Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, we have conducted research and applied CAR T-cell technology, which combines cell and gene therapy, to treat leukemia and lymphoma patients. This partnership not only enhances treatment effectiveness but also allows patients to receive care at a private hospital without long waiting times. These services are delivered under internationally certified GMP-standard treatment processes using laboratories in Thailand, marking another important step in driving Thailand towards becoming a medical hub in Asia.”
The symposium also featured the following distinguished international guest speakers:
Professor Philippe Leboulch, a doctor and researcher from Paris-Saclay University, France, and Harvard University, USA, is a doctor who has developed lentiviruses as vectors for gene modification in various genetic disorders. He was also part of the research team that successfully pioneered gene therapy for patients with beta-thalassemia. He presented on the topic “All About the Future of Gene Therapy.”

Prof. Hideki Marumatsu, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric hematologist specializing in blood and bone marrow disorders from Nagoya University, Japan, is an expert in the treatment of aplastic anemia and various types of bone marrow failure. He has also conducted long-term follow-up through the Japan Childhood Aplastic Anemia Cohort Study. He presented on the topic “Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Aplastic Anemia and Inherited Bone Marrow Failure.”

This symposium reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors in sustainably improving patients’ quality of life. It also provided a platform for experts from Thailand and abroad to exchange knowledge, preparing both Thai and international medical professionals for the future of treatment.