Institute for Refractory Cancer Research

Becoming the world’s best research driven hospital in the development of refractory cancer treatment

Introduction

Refractory cancer is defined as cancer that cannot be treated with regular treatments, which leads to very short survival time (around 6 months) for patients. A large portion of medical costs from cancer patients are caused by refractory cancer, but targeted therapy is scarce. Therefore the development of refractory cancer treatments play a vitally important role not only in medical advancement but also in social and economic benefit.

Established in 2009, the institute introduced the Avatar Platform, an innovative refractory cancer translational research program based on the AVATAR Mouse® and AVATASCAN® systems. Since then, the center has been successfully transfer the global technology by exporting the Avatar Platform and training expertise. The center also aims to trigger a virtuous cycle by encouraging collaborative research among industry-academy-institute partners. By maintaining an open line of communication with pharmaceutical companies and fundamental clinical researchers, the institute aims to realize personalized treatment for refractory cancer patients by building a new medication development platform in Korea, with the aim of accelerating treatment and clinical approaches, and creating differentiated and innovative translational research.

Goal

  • New medical technology certification for personalized treatment
  • Clinical application of personalized treatment
  • Development of new medicine for refractory cancer
  • Management of translational research system optimize in clinical approach
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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.