On March 19, 2026, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) held a doctoral thesis defense for PhD candidate Nguyen Quang Thai, majoring in Pharmacological, Medical and Agronomical Biotechnology (code: 9420201), with the thesis entitled: “Investigation of the synergistic effect of Diisopropylamine Dichloroacetate and Fenbendazole in lung cancer models.”
The thesis was supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Dang (USTH) and co-supervised by Dr. Hoang Xuan Ba (University of Southern California, USA).
The defense took place in Room 402, Building A21, No. 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Nghia Do, Hanoi, with the participation of a seven-member Thesis Evaluation Committee:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, Institute of Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology – Chairman
- Prof. Jeong-Hyung Lee, Kangwon National University, South Korea – Reviewer
- Dr. Tran Minh Ngoc, National Institute of Medicinal Materials – Reviewer
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham The Hai, USTH, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology – Reviewer
- Prof. Dr. Dong Van Quyen, Institute of Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology – Member
- Dr. Nguyen Phuong Nhung, USTH, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology – Member
- Dr. Pham Le Minh, USTH, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology – Member and Secretary
Under the chairmanship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam, the defense was conducted in accordance with standard procedures, including the presentation of the candidate’s academic profile, training process, research outcomes, and scientific publications throughout the doctoral program. During the defense, the candidate presented the key findings of the thesis, focusing on evaluating the synergistic effects of two compounds Diisopropylamine Dichloroacetate (DADA) and Fenbendazole in lung cancer models.
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more effective treatments with fewer side effects. In response to this challenge, the thesis adopts a combinational approach, integrating compounds with different mechanisms of action to enhance therapeutic efficacy through synergistic effects. Experimental studies on both cellular and biological models demonstrated that the combination of DADA and Fenbendazole more effectively inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells compared to the use of each compound individually. These initial findings contribute to clarifying the potential of combination therapy in oncology and lay the groundwork for further in-depth studies in the future.
The thesis holds not only academic significance in the field of medical biotechnology but also practical value in guiding future research and development strategies for cancer therapeutics.
The Committee highly appreciated the novelty, applicability, and rigor of the research conducted by PhD candidate Nguyen Quang Thai. Notably, the study follows a “drug repurposing” approach, leveraging existing compounds to identify new therapeutic applications, thereby reducing the time and cost of drug development. Following the presentation and discussion, the Committee held a closed session and conducted a vote on the thesis. As a result, the thesis received strong consensus from all Committee members.
On behalf of the Committee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam congratulated PhD candidate Nguyen Quang Thai on the successful defense and acknowledged the meaningful scientific contributions made in the field of medical biotechnology. In the coming time, the research will be further expanded to elucidate mechanisms of action, assess toxicity, and advance toward more in-depth experimental stages. Before concluding the ceremony, PhD candidate Nguyen Quang Thai expressed sincere gratitude to the Faculty of Life Sciences, his supervisors, the Scientific Committee, colleagues, friends, and family for their continuous support and encouragement throughout his academic and research journey, culminating in the achievement of his doctoral degree.
