Seminar on “Applications of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Medicine: From Theory to Practice”

                The seminar served as a meaningful academic platform, bringing together faculty members, physicians, undergraduate and graduate students from within and beyond the university. It provided opportunities to exchange knowledge, stay updated with cutting-edge PCR applications, and explore innovative approaches in modern medicine. Alongside scientific presentations, the hands-on workshop session offered participants direct experience with PCR techniques, including sample extraction, PCR setup, and analysis of gel electrophoresis results.

Do Hoang Long, MD, PhD, Former Head of the Department of Pathophysiology – Immunology, delivering the opening remarks

Scientific Presentations

The seminar opened with an overview of PCR technology, from its fundamental principles to key applications in modern medicine, delivered by Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, PhD, Lecturer in the Department of Pathophysiology – Immunology. She highlighted PCR as an effective tool for diagnosing infectious diseases, detecting genetic mutations, and cancer screening, while also emphasizing prospects for advanced techniques such as liquid biopsy combined with next-generation sequencing.

Continuing the session, Trinh Thi Hong Cua, MD, PhD, Head of the Department of Pathophysiology – Immunology, shared research findings on detecting a 30bp deletion in the LMP1-EBV gene among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients using PCR. This discovery not only contributes to understanding disease pathogenesis but also suggests the potential of PCR for early diagnosis and personalized treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer.

 

Trinh Thi Hong Cua, MD, PhD, Head of the Department of Pathophysiology – Immunology,
during her presentation

In another presentation, Nguyen Thi Thao Linh, MD, MSc, Deputy Head of the Department of Parasitology, presented the application of PCR-RFLP in identifying dermatophyte species. This method enables precise differentiation of pathogenic fungi, shortens diagnostic time, and simplifies procedure compared to conventional techniques.

The session concluded with a talk by Ngo Quoc Nam, MSc, Director of Phu Sa Genomics JSC, introduced advancements in the development of “Made in Vietnam” PCR kits and equipment. His presentation garnered significant attention by highlighting the potential for technology localization and the “Open Access PCR Center” model – an initiative aimed at supporting research and training to bring PCR closer to the local scientific community.

 

Ngo Quoc Nam, MSc, Director of Phu Sa Genomics JSC

The seminar attracted participants from various institutions inside and outside the university

Hands-on Workshop

In the afternoon session, participants engaged in a hands-on workshop, guided by the technical team from Phu Sa Genomics JSC, to perform essential PCR steps. This activity bridged theory with practice, equipping faculty, students, and researchers with practical knowledge and skills.

 

Participants posing for a group photo at the seminar

The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of PCR’s role in modern medicine, from fundamental principles to specialized applications such as detecting LMP1-EBV gene mutations in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, rapid identification of dermatophytes using PCR-RFLP, and the localization potential of PCR technology with Vietnam-produced kits. Notably, the hands-on workshop allowed participants to gain first-hand experience with PCR processes, fostering the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills and inspiring ideas for applying PCR in teaching and research.

Department of Pathophysiology – Immunology