Peking University International Hospital Joins Forces with MD Anderson Cancer Center to Tackle Thymoma Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges Through Multidisciplinary Care

On the morning of October 21, a  cross-border case conference was held at the International  Teleconsultation Center of Peking University International Hospital,  focusing on a highly complex case of thymoma.

Participating experts included Liang Jun,  Director of the Oncology Center; Qu Zhen, Director of the  International Medical Center; Wang Jidong and Guo Yong, Chief  Physicians of the Department of Radiation Oncology; Associate Chief  Physician Kong Lei; and Chief Physician Zheng Jiasheng from the  Department of Minimally Invasive Oncology at Peking University  International Hospital. They were joined remotely by Associate Chief  Physician Zhao Jiandong from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center  and Dr. Frank V. Fossella, Chair of the Thoracic Medical Oncology  Department at the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in the  United States, for a successful multidisciplinary teleconsultation.

Teleconsultation in progress

Because of the complexity of the  patient’s thymoma, further clarification of the optimal treatment  strategy was needed even after comprehensive preliminary evaluation.  To overcome geographical barriers and incorporate cutting-edge  international perspectives, the International Medical Center of Peking  University International Hospital activated its cross-border  teleconsultation mechanism and rapidly contacted experts from MD  Anderson Cancer Center, the top-ranked cancer hospital in the United  States, to provide specialist input. In preparation, the team  conducted a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, imaging  studies, pathology reports, and prior treatment plans, and uploaded  them through a dedicated professional platform to ensure accurate and  efficient information sharing.

The multidisciplinary team at Peking  University International Hospital first presented the key aspects of  the case in sequence. Specialists from the Oncology Center reviewed  the patient’s test results, detailing the tumor staging and overall  clinical status, which laid the foundation for subsequent  decision-making. Radiologists, using highresolution image  transmission, provided a clear interpretation of critical studies such  as chest CT and MRI, precisely delineating the tumor location and  extent of involvement. Experts from Radiation Oncology and Minimally  Invasive Oncology then discussed the feasibility of local therapies  and the optimal timing of minimally invasive interventions,  highlighting the strengths of coordinated multidisciplinary care.

Subsequently, thoracic oncology experts  from MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted an in depth analysis of the  core diagnostic and therapeutic issues. Drawing on the latest  international clinical research and extensive clinical experience,  they offered expert opinions on defining the extent of tumor invasion,  selecting postoperative adjuvant therapies, and preventing potential  complications, while expressing strong agreement with the overall  management strategy proposed by the Peking University International  Hospital team. The two sides engaged in robust discussion around key  questions such as the optimal sequencing of surgery and radiotherapy,  and the potential role of combination targeted therapies. After  carefully balancing efficacy and safety, they reached a consensus and  formulated an integrated treatment plan that is both individualized  and evidencebased, aiming to ensure the patient receives the  best possible care.

Teleconsultation in progress

The value of cross-border  teleconsultation lies in giving patients access to global medical  expertise without leaving the country, while also providing our  multidisciplinary teams with a platform to learn from and exchange  views with internationally renowned specialists. This model broadens  clinical perspectives, strengthens professional capabilities, and  enhances the overall quality of care. Going forward, Peking University  International Hospital will continue to deepen international medical  collaboration, leveraging the strengths of multidisciplinary  cooperation to build “global intelligent care” pathways for more  patients with complex conditions, and to safeguard life and health  with highlevel, internationally oriented medical services.

Since its establishment, Peking  University International Hospital has regarded the integration and  innovation of domestic and international medical technologies as a key  strategic priority. The International Medical Center has established  stable partnerships with leading medical institutions in countries  such as the United States, Germany, and Japan, and has continuously  transformed cuttingedge global concepts and technologies into  clinical capability through diverse forms of collaboration, including  teleconsultations, expert exchanges, and joint clinical practice. To  date, through these cross-border collaboration models, the hospital  has provided more specialized and precise solutions for many patients  with rare and challenging diseases, significantly improving both  patient experience and treatment outcomes, and making a positive  contribution to the internationalization of China’s healthcare sector.

Telemedicine  consultation in progress

Frank V. Fossella, MD

Medical Director, Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology,      
   The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA      
   Professor of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School, USA

Dr. Frank V. Fossella is a leading U.S.  thoracic oncologist with more than 30 years of experience. He is one  of the most senior medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer at  MD Anderson Cancer Center, highly respected and trusted by patients,  and has received an outstanding score of 4.8 out of 5 in the  well‑known Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr.  Fossella has long been actively engaged in both clinical and  translational research in lung cancer. He has served as principal  investigator or co‑investigator in more than 50 phase I–III clinical trials.

To date, Dr. Fossella has co‑authored  over a hundred scientific publications, many of which have appeared in  high‑impact international journals such as the Journal of Clinical  Oncology, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology  • Physics, and Clinical Cancer Research. He has also been repeatedly  recognized in national and regional rankings, including listings as a  “Top Doctor in America,” “Top Doctor in Texas,” and “Top Cancer Doctor  in the U.S.”