Vietnamese doctor Tran Thi Hien has made significant strides in developing a cancer treatment derived from breast milk. 

Early trials on bladder cancer patients have shown promising results, and the next phase of testing will focus on colorectal cancer patients.

Journey to groundbreaking research

Hien was born in Yen The District under Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Her family had no history of higher education, and her mother only completed third grade. 

For many, the idea of her daughter advancing beyond high school seemed like an unattainable dream, let alone studying abroad.

Surprisingly, Hien managed to gain admission to Hanoi University of Pharmacy.

After her graduation, she began working at the National Institute of Medicinal Materials under the Ministry of Health.

She later pursued a master's and doctorate before continuing her studies with post-doctoral research.

"In 2013, several universities in the United States and Europe offered me admission, but I chose Lund University in Sweden because I was impressed by the Nobel Prizes,” she recounted.

Her journey took a significant turn when she became involved in research on a breast milk-based drug for cancer treatment during her time in Sweden.

Initially, she had worked on projects related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but it was her work on breast milk-derived therapies that captured her full attention.

"In Sweden, researchers analyzed a breast milk-based therapy to treat pneumonia in children during winter. 

“When breast milk was broken down into smaller segments, they found that both viruses and cancer agents were killed by an alpha-lactalbumin-oleic acid compound, which helped boost immunity,” Hien explained.

This discovery sparked Hien’s interest. 

Although the project was abandoned after several years of attempting to stabilize the compound, she was undeterred. 

“I was determined to make it work,” she recalled, explaining that “When I see something difficult, I feel compelled to take it on.”

Hope to bring cancer treatment home

Hien spent over a decade conducting research at Lund University, while simultaneously holding a position at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy. 

The results of her research are encouraging as her team has successfully developed a more stable form of the alpha-lactalbumin-oleic acid complex and has conducted clinical trials on bladder cancer patients.

Approximately 80 percent of patients with bladder cancer showed a reduction in tumor size, with no reported side effects.

The research team has received approval from the relevant authorities to move on to the next phase of testing, which includes evaluating the effects of the treatment on a new dosage for patients and studying its impact on colorectal cancer patients.

"We want to test this method on other cancers, such as cervical cancer, liver cancer, and lymphoma, but that will take time. Cancer patients can't afford to wait, so I think about the project constantly, except when I'm asleep,” Dr. Hien added with a touch of humor.

Dr. Hien's dedication to research has earned her the respect of colleagues and mentors.

“I’ve been watching Hien’s progress since 2003-04. She is deeply dedicated and passionate about her work,” said Associate Prof. Tran Viet Hung, head of the Institute of Drug Quality Control in Ho Chi Minh City.

“As for her research on cancer treatment from breast milk, I know that her team is also looking into using milk from cows, which shows great potential. 

“I’m hopeful that Hien and her team will soon achieve their goal and bring the treatment to Vietnam,” he said.

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