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As part of the conference, GENTIS was honored to accompany two notable presentations by Dr. Nguyen Van Thong, MD (Head of the Department of Medical Genetics, Hung Vuong Hospital), and Dr. Nguyen Huu Trung, MD, PhD (Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center HCMC). These presentations demonstrated GENTIS’s pioneering role in the research and development of applied genetic testing in Vietnam.
PGT-UPGRADE Test: Detecting Embryos with Balanced Translocations
Dr. Nguyen Van Thong presented on the topic: “PGT UPGRADE Testing: Detecting Embryos with Balanced Translocations.” His report focused on a challenge frequently encountered by couples undergoing infertility treatment or those with recurrent miscarriages—the presence of balanced translocations in the genome of one partner.
Balanced translocations are genetic abnormalities in which DNA segments are exchanged between non-homologous chromosomes, without any gain or loss of genetic material at the breakpoints. Carriers of balanced translocations often show no symptoms, but are at high risk of producing embryos with chromosomal abnormalities or non-viable embryos. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the birth of a child with serious genetic conditions. Therefore, detecting and screening embryos carrying balanced translocations is a crucial step in assisted reproductive treatment.
To address this issue, GENTIS has successfully developed the PGT-UPGRADE test, marking a new advancement in preimplantation genetic diagnosis. This technique allows for the identification of embryos carrying the same balanced translocations as the parent, thereby eliminating the risk of passing on reproductive issues to the next generation. As a result, doctors can select healthy embryos with no genetic risks, increasing implantation rates and offering couples a safer pregnancy journey. This is particularly significant for cases with a history of recurrent miscarriage, unexplained fetal loss, or repeated IVF failure.
With high accuracy and an optimized workflow, PGT-UPGRADE not only brings clinical benefits but also helps save time, reduce costs, and ease emotional burdens for patients. This is a major step by GENTIS in transferring advanced technologies into clinical practice, contributing to the sustainable development of reproductive support in Vietnam.
From Expanded Carrier Screening (ECS) to PGT-M: Preventing Rare Genetic Diseases
Alongside this, the presentation by Dr. Nguyen Huu Trung titled “From Expanded Carrier Screening (ECS) to PGT-M – A Strategy to Prevent Rare Genetic Diseases in Vietnam” offered a broader perspective on controlling inherited disorders at their root.
In the context of rising numbers of monogenic diseases and the high cost of treatment, early identification of genetic risks and proactive intervention before pregnancy has become an urgent necessity in modern medicine.
According to Dr. Trung, Expanded Carrier Screening (ECS) can screen for hundreds of genetic disorders in both men and women, helping identify couples who are carriers of the same recessive genetic mutation. If both partners carry the same disease-causing gene, their children have up to a 25% chance of being affected. In such cases, the optimal solution is to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders) to screen and select embryos free of the disease-causing genes. This represents a shift from “risk detection” to “proactive prevention”—a strategic direction in preventing rare genetic diseases.
GENTIS is one of the pioneers in deploying and optimizing PGT-M testing panels in Vietnam. With a system that includes more than 100 monogenic diseases—covering both common and rare conditions such as Thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), metabolic disorders, Rett syndrome, and more—GENTIS ensures not only broad test coverage but also high accuracy and rapid turnaround times.
This is made possible through the development of a standardized gene database, a synchronized lab system, and a team of highly trained professionals. In addition, GENTIS places strong emphasis on pre- and post-test genetic counseling, helping patients fully understand their results and make informed decisions based on their family circumstances and reproductive goals.
Genetic Testing – A Practical Tool in Modern Clinical Practice
Both presentations shared an important common message: genetic testing is no longer a distant tool reserved for research or major medical centers, but is increasingly becoming an essential part of modern clinical practice. Thanks to the collaboration between leading experts and applied research units like GENTIS, complex genetic medicine techniques are now more accessible, sustainable, and effective for patients than ever before.
GENTIS's presence at the 10th Can Tho Obstetrics and Gynecology Conference was not merely that of a sponsor, but a clear demonstration of its long-term commitment to improving reproductive healthcare quality in Vietnam. Looking forward, GENTIS aims to continue developing modern genetic solutions, aligned with the mission of “early diagnosis – proactive prevention – healthy babies,” and will continue to work hand-in-hand with the medical community to build a better future for the next generations.
