Dharmais Cancer Hospital (RSK Dharmais), as Indonesia’s National Cancer Center, welcomed an official visit from MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, to strengthen international collaboration in improving cancer care services. The visit took place from April 21–25, 2025, in Jakarta. This meeting continues the ongoing partnership between Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, RSK Dharmais, and MD Anderson.

Dr. Dra. Lucia Rizka Andalucia, Apt, M.Pharm., MARS, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of RSK Dharmais, stated that in February 2023, MD Anderson signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, appointing Dharmais Cancer Hospital as the primary implementation partner for this collaboration.

"MD Anderson is the number one cancer center in the United States and in the world. This is very special for us, as since the establishment of Dharmais Cancer Hospital, our founders have looked to MD Anderson as a role model for collaborative referrals," she said.

RSK Dharmais continues to strengthen its international partnerships, collaborating with leading cancer centers worldwide. Currently, RSK Dharmais serves as the national referral center for the development of cancer services, training, and education in Indonesia.

Lucia explained that the visit to MD Anderson aimed to learn more about various innovations and the latest technologies in cancer treatment and prevention, particularly in HPV screening for early detection of cervical cancer, as well as to advance knowledge in the fields of anesthesiology, radiotherapy, and oncologic surgery.

Through this collaboration, RSK Dharmais has participated in the ECHO telementoring program, focusing on breast cancer pathology and anesthesiology. In addition, RSK Dharmais supports faculty training programs in breast cancer and is engaged in cervical cancer research projects, similar to those developed by MD Anderson in Mozambique, Brazil, and the United States.

"Currently, discussions are also underway to explore further collaborations in radiotherapy and other cancer research initiatives," she added.

Lucia expressed hope that RSK Dharmais and MD Anderson would continue to work together, hand in hand, in their shared mission to provide the best care for cancer patients and improve the quality of life for communities around the world.

Kathleen Schmeler, M.D., Executive Director of Global Oncology and Professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, said that following the signing of the MoU with the Indonesian Ministry of Health, MD Anderson has worked very closely with Dharmais Cancer Hospital. MD Anderson has conducted several visits and activities at RSK Dharmais with great enthusiasm.

"We currently have three ECHO projects — virtual tumor boards focusing on pathology, breast cancer, and more recently, anesthesiology," she explained.

Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) aims to build capacity among community-based clinicians in various countries, helping to enhance cancer prevention and control efforts through case-based learning and collaborative patient management, leveraging video conferencing technology integrated with clinical management tools.

According to Kathleen, for MD Anderson, this visit and collaboration are very important to expand their reach beyond Texas, United States, where they are based and operate. In addition, this collaboration serves as an opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world, with the goal of improving the quality of cancer care globally and developing the ECHO project in the field of Hematology-Oncology, specifically regarding Lymphoma.

"We are also very excited to be involved in the cervical cancer screening program initiated by Dharmais Cancer Hospital using the HPV self-swab method, which I find truly remarkable," she added.

Meanwhile, dr. R. Soeko Werdi Nindito D., MARS, President Director of Dharmais Cancer Hospital, warmly welcomed MD Anderson's visit. He stated that this visit offers a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of cancer management, learn the latest methods in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and discuss medical protocols, especially in anesthesiology, cervical oncology, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology.

The meeting is expected to strengthen human resource capacity, enhance international cooperation in cancer research and treatment, and facilitate the adoption of the latest medical technologies and protocols. It also aims to support the development of training programs for medical personnel and optimize cancer services at Dharmais Cancer Hospital, providing more effective and high-quality care for patients.

"This is a great opportunity for knowledge sharing, with the hope of strengthening Dharmais Cancer Hospital’s role as a National Cancer Center capable of meeting all cancer care needs of the Indonesian population," said dr. Soeko.

MD Anderson’s visit included a series of activities such as: "Automated Contouring and Planning for Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy", "Lecture: Breast Screening and Physical Examination", "Lecture: Update & Future of Breast Surgical Oncology", "Workshop: Oncoplastic Breast Surgery", and "Onco-anesthesia: Improving Safety, Recovery, & Cancer Outcomes".

The activities involved medical staff, healthcare workers, researchers, academics, patients and families, the public, and healthcare network institutions, with the hope of generating significant benefits for all participants and further strengthening Dharmais Cancer Hospital’s role in advancing cancer care at both national and international levels.

"This is a great opportunity for everyone attending the meeting to share their thoughts on MD Anderson's visit to Indonesia," dr. Soeko concluded.