Swiss-Vietnamese Medical Association
Announcing the Winners
of the 2026 Alexandre Yersin Prize for Outstanding Medical Publications ( June, 28th 2026)
“The Alexandre Yersin Prize is more than an award for exceptional individuals; it is a testament to the intellectual strength of the Vietnamese medical community in its quest to improve public health.” ( Nguyen Van Tuan, Nguyen Quan-Vinh)
Press release -winning opublications 2026
The Swiss-Vietnamese Medical Association (Helvietmed) is proud to announce the results of the fifth Alexandre Yersin Prize (2026). This initiative by Helvietmed honors high-quality medical research conducted in Vietnam, by Vietnamese researchers, for the direct benefit of the Vietnamese people.
This year, Helvietmed’s Scientific Committee selected six outstanding publications for recognition. The awarded studies reflect the breadth and depth of Vietnamese medical science, spanning reproductive medicine, cancer surgery, stroke intervention, neuromuscular genetics, cardiac surgery, and rare dermatologic disease.
The First Prize was awarded to Dr. Vu N. A. Ho and colleagues for their study published in The Lancet. The study compared natural, modified natural, and artificial endometrial preparation strategies for frozen embryo transfer in ovulatory women in Viet Nam.
The Equal First Prize was awarded to Dr. Vo Duy Long and colleagues for their randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery. The study compared laparoscopic and open distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for clinical T4a gastric cancer.
The Second Prize was awarded to Dr. Trung Quoc Nguyen and colleagues for their prospective multicentre observational study published in the International Journal of Stroke. The study examined clinical and safety outcomes following endovascular treatment for large ischemic core stroke in the late 12-to-24-hour treatment window.
The Equal Second Prize was awarded to Dr. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia and colleagues received an Encouragement Prize for their prospective multicentre genetic study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases. The study characterized the genetic landscape of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in Viet Nam and proposed a practical diagnostic algorithm for resource-limited settings.
The Third Prize was awarded to Dr. Hung Dung Van and colleagues received an Encouragement Prize for their long-term retrospective cohort study published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. The study evaluated the incidence and risk factors of subaortic pannus overgrowth after bileaflet mechanical aortic valve replacement over long-term follow-up.
The Equal Third Prize was awarded to Dr. Bui Chi Bao and colleagues received an Encouragement Prize for their translational study published in Human Genomics. The study investigated altered skin microbiome, inflammation, and JAK/STAT signaling in Southeast Asian patients with congenital ichthyosis.
Together, these six papers demonstrate the growing quality, diversity, and international visibility of medical research involving Vietnamese investigators. They show that Vietnamese medical science is increasingly contributing not only local clinical data but also rigorous randomized trials, prospective cohort studies, advanced genetic research, and innovative translational science.
The Alexandre Yersin Prize affirms the importance of sound research design, ethical conduct, clinical relevance, and scientific originality. The selected papers represent important steps toward improving medical practice, strengthening research culture, and advancing Vietnamese contributions to global medicine.
The Scientific Committee includes nine independent voting members. For the 2025–2026 term, the members are: Distinguished Professor Tuan V. NGUYEN, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Professor Anh Tuan DINH-XUAN, University Paris-Descartes, France; Emeritus Professor Nu Viet VU, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Emeritus Professor Ezio GIACOBINI, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Emeritus Professor Jean-Pierre KRAEHENBUHL, CEO at Health Sciences eTraining Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland; Professor Uyen HUYNH-DO, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland; Professor Liem-Binh LUONG-NGUYEN, Cochin University Hospital, France; Dr Vincent VINH-HUNG, France; and Dr Quan-Vinh NGUYEN, Fribourg, Switzerland.
The assessment was based on five criteria: scientific quality, practical significance, innovation, scientific impact, and journal prestige. Special emphasis was placed on scientific quality, particularly the appropriateness of study design and the clarity of the research question. Randomized clinical trials were ranked highest, followed by prospective cohort studies, carefully designed observational studies, and translational studies with clear scientific value.
The award ceremony will be held jointly by Helvietmed, the Consulate General of Switzerland in Ho Chi Minh City, in conjunction with a seminar co-organised with the University of Pharmacy and Medicine at Ho Chi Minh City. The exact date and venue will be announced at the earliest opportunity.
Summaries of the Award-Winning Papers
FIRST PRIZE (Equal)
- Endometrial Preparation Strategies for Frozen Embryo Transfer (Authors: Vu N. A. Ho et al.) Identifying the optimal endometrial preparation method for frozen embryo transfer (FET) remains a challenge in IVF. This randomized trial of 1,428 women found similar livebirth rates across natural (37%), modified natural (33%), and artificial (34%) cycles. The study provides evidence that clinicians can choose preparation methods based on patient flexibility and preference without compromising success.
- Laparoscopic vs. Open Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer (Authors: Vo Duy Long et al.) The efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for T4a gastric cancer compared to traditional open surgery was not firmly established. The UMC-UPPERGI-01 trial demonstrated that the laparoscopic approach is non-inferior regarding short-term safety outcomes, including 30-day morbidity and mortality. This is the first prospective trial confirming laparoscopic surgery as a safe, minimally invasive alternative for advanced gastric cancer when performed by experienced surgeons.
SECOND PRIZE (Equal)
- Endovascular Treatment for Large-Core Stroke in the Late Window (Authors: Trung Quoc Nguyen et al.) The benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for large-core strokes in the 12-to-24-hour window was inconclusive. This multicenter study in Vietnam showed no significant differences in functional outcomes or safety between treatment in the late (12-24h) and early (<12h) windows. These findings support expanding treatment indications for stroke patients in developing countries where delayed presentation is common.
- Genetic Landscape of Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) Disease in Vietnam (Authors: Hoang Tien Trong Nghia et al.) CMT is a common hereditary neuropathy, but genetic data for the Vietnamese population was very limited. The team identified six novel genetic variants and achieved a 79.5% diagnostic yield by combining MLPA and NGS techniques. The study proposes a cost-effective sequential diagnostic algorithm, optimizing management and genetic counseling in resource-limited regions.
THIRD PRIZE (Equal)
- Risk Factors for Subaortic Pannus Overgrowth After Heart Valve Replacement (Authors: Hung Dung Van et al.) Pannus overgrowth is a dangerous late complication, but long-term risk factors were understudied. In a study of 1,145 patients over 16.5 years, the incidence increased over time (5% at 20 years), with female sex, younger age, and small valve size identified as key risk factors. This research helps identify high-risk patients and recommends total valve replacement during reoperation to prevent recurrence.
- Skin Microbiome and Inflammation in Congenital Ichthyosis (Authors: Chi-Bao Bui et al.) The link between microbial imbalance and inflammation in congenital ichthyosis (CI) was not fully understood. The study linked dysbiosis to inflammation via the JAK/STAT pathway and showed that antibiotics can improve wound healing in CI patients. These findings open doors for new therapies such as JAK inhibitors or microbiome-targeted treatments for CI patients.
We sincerely congratulate the laureates for their winning publications. We thank all the authors for their commitment to medical research in Vietnam and for their kind willingness to share their works with all the members of the Vietnamese Medical Community
Please find below all the excellent articles in competition, congratulate the authors for their achievements and share them with all your colleagues and students.
As the president of HELVIETMED, I am immensely thankful to all the members of the Scientific Committee, chaired by Prof. Nguyen Van Tuan, for your precious support in our shared mission of advancing medical knowledge and nurturing the next generation of talented healthcare professionnals
Alexandre Yersin Prize 2025-2026
List of publications (authors’ surnames in alphabetical order )
Altered skin microbiome, infammation, and JAK-STAT signaling in Southeast Asian ichthyosis patients
Chi-Bao Bui, Minh Ho, Huynh-Nga Nguyen and Minh Van Hoang et al.
Human Genomics (2024) 18:38
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40246-024-00603-x
Altered skin microbiome, infammation and JAK-STAT signaling in Southeast Asian ichthyosis patients
Reference Values of Handgrip and Lower Extremity Strength for Vietnamese Men and Women: The Vietnam Osteoporosis Study
Kiet T. Do et al.
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 2025; 16:e13689
https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13689
Reference Values of Handgrip and Lower Extremity
Livebirth rate after one frozen embryo transfer in ovulatory women starting with natural, modified natural, or artificialendometrial preparation in Viet Nam – an open-label randomised controlled trial
Vu N A Ho et al.
Lancet 2024; 404: 266–75
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00756-6
Genetic landscape of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in Vietnam: A prospective multicenterstudy
Hoang Tien Trong Nghia et al.
Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases2025, Vol. 12(1): 23–44
DOI: 10.1177/22143602251313722
Genetic landscape of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in Vietnam A prospective multicenterstudy
BRASH syndrome in the elderly: A case report
Huynh Minh Tri et al.
Ro Med J. 2024;72(1)
DOI: 10.37897/RMJ.2025.1.19
Optimization of Controlled-Release Microspheres Containing Vitexin and Isovitexin Through Experimental Design and Evaluation of Their Hypoglycemic Effects
Huynh Nhu Mai et al.
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17, 819
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070819
Asystole during suspension laryngoscopy associated with vagal reflx or carotid sinus hypersensitivity: a case report
Luu Quang Quan et al
Journal of Medical Case Reports (2026) 20:45
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05757-3
The T Cell Receptor β Chain Repertoire of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Improves NeoantigenPrediction and Prioritization
Nguyen Bui Que Tran et al.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.94658.2.sa2
Neoantigen‑based mRNA vaccine exhibits superior anti‑tumor activity compared tosynthetic long peptides in an in vivo lung carcinoma model
Cao-Minh Nguyen et al
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy (2025) 74:145
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-025-03992-7
Multimodal analysis of cell-free DNA to improve early detection of gastric cancer
Chi Van Thien Nguyen et al.
BMC Cancer (2026).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-026-15720-0
Multimodal analysis of cell-free DNA to improve early detection of gastric cancer
Human fluoroacetatepoisoning: A case series of 36 patients in Vietnam
Nguyen Dang Duc et al.
Toxicology Reports 16 (2026) 102189
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.102189
Diagnostic Accuracy of the STANDARD F TB-Feron FIA Assay for Tuberculosis Infection in Vietnam : A Cross-Sectional Study
Han Thi Nguyen et al.
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2025
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaf561
Diagnostic Accuracy of the STANDARD F TB-Feron FIA Assay for Tuberculosis Infection in Vietnam
Behavioral and social drivers of rotavirus vaccine uptake in a rural ethnic minority population in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study
Hung Huu Nguyen et al.
Preventive Medicine Reports 61 (2026) 103353
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103353
Traditional Vietnamese herbal medicine TD0015 in Knee Osteoarthritis. A Phase-II randomized controlled trial
Nguyen Lam Vuong et al.
Integrative Medicine Research 14 (2025) 101143
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2025.101143
Traditional Vietnamese herbal medicine TD0015 in Knee Osteoarthritis. A
Prospective validation study: a non- invasive circulating tumor DNA-based assay for simultaneous early detection of multiple cancers in asymptomatic adults
Luu Hong Dang Nguyen et al.
BMC Medicine (2025) 23:90
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-03929-y
Prospective validation study a non- invasive circulating tumor DNA-based assay
Clinical Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors for Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia in Pediatric Patients: A Hospital-Based Study in Vietnam
Nguyen Ngoc Sang et al.
Cureus 16(4): e58371. DOI 10.7759/cureus.58371
Management of distal radius giant cell tumours using En‑blocresection, non‑vascularized ipsilateral fibular head–shat autograft, anddistal radioulnar ligament reconstruction
Phi Duong Nguyen et al.
International Orthopaedics
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-025-06732-9
Management of distal radius giant cell tumours using En_bloc
Clinical and safety outcomes following endovascular treatment for large ischemic core stroke with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score 3–5 in the 12-to 24-h time window
Trung Quoc Nguyen et al.
International Journal of Stroke 2025 ; 1 –12
https://doi.org/10.1177/17474930251367
A machine learning-based risk score for prediction of mechanical ventilation in children with dengue shock syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Nguyen Tat Thanh et al.
PLoS ONE 19(12):e0315281 ( 2024)
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0315281
A machine learning-based risk score for prediction of mechanical ventilation in
STEMI-OP in-hospital mortality predictionalgorithms: Frailty-integrated machine learning in older patients undergoing primary PCI
Quyen The Nguyen et al.
npj Aging (2025) 11:48
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-025-00238-9
STEMI-OP in-hospital mortality predictionalgorithms Frailty-integrated machine
Smartphone App-Based Psychoeducation for Caregivers of People with Dementia in Vietnam: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Tran To Tran Nguyen et al.
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2025:20 1647–1660
Extracorporeal life support and continuous renal replacement therapy in a patient with Enterovirus A71 associated cardiopulmonary failure : A case report
Nguyen Trung Bao et al.
Medicine 2024;103:1(e36797).
Quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cytotoxic and cytotoxic plus targeted therapy
Hong Tham Pham et al.
BMC Cancer (2025) 25:957
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14388-2
Quality of life in patients with metastatic 2025
Characteristics of gene mutations in Vietnamese pediatric patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity: a cross-sectional study
Phan Nguyen Lien Anh et al.
Orphanet J Rare Dis (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/ s13023-026-04260-2
Characteristics of gene mutations in Vietnamese pediatric patients with Inborn Errors of
Effect of AGTR1 A1166C genetic polymorphism on coronary artery lesions and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Duy Cong Tran et al.
PLoS ONE 19(4): e0300273.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300273
Effect of AGTR1 A1166C genetic polymorphism on coronary artery lesions and mortality in
Effectiveness of conversion surgery in stage IV gastric cancer
Tran Quang Dat et al.
European Journal of Surgical Oncology 51 (2025) 109485
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2024.109485
Effectiveness of conversion surgery in stage IV gastric cancer
Neonatal Outcomes Following Preterm Birth Between 28 and 36 Weeks’ Gestation in Vietnam: A Cohort Study
Quynh T. T. Tran et al.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2026; 66:e70093
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.70093
Identification of public neoantigens with broad HLA class I coverage as candidates foroff-the-shelf cancer vaccine development in colorectal cancer
Diem TP Tran et al.
Front. Immunol. 17:1686224.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1686224
Association between knee osteoarthritis and volumetric bone mineral density
An T. Truong et al.
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open 8 (2026) 100740
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100740
Association between knee osteoarthritis and volumetric bone mineral density
Long-Term Incidence and Risk Factors of Subaortic Pannus Overgrowth After Bileaflet
Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement
Hung Dung Van et al.
European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 2025, 67(11), ezaf363
https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezaf363
Multimodal analysis of cell-free DNA enhances diferentiation of early-stage breast cancer from benign lesions and healthy individuals
Thi Tuong Vi Van et al.
BMC Biology (2025) 23:259
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02371-z
Laparoscopic vs Open Distal Gastrectomy With D2 Lymphadenectomy for Clinical T4a Gastric CancerThe UMC-UPPERGI-01 Randomized Clinical Trial
Vo Duy Long et al.
JAMA Surg. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2025.4929
Associations of resuscitation fluid load colloid-to-crystalloid infusion ratio and clinicaloutcomes in children with dengue shock syndrome
Vo Thanh Luan et al.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
19(1): e0012786. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012786
Machine Learning–Assisted Autism Risk Stratifiation in Toddlers Using the Vietnamese M-CHAT-R and Perinatal Predictors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam
Thi Van Vo et al.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07227-1
An Euroheart‐Based Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry in Vietnam: Design, Rationale, and Preliminary Results
Vu Hoang Vu et al.
Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, 2025; 1–8
https://doi.org/10.1002/ccd.31700
An Euroheart-Based Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry in Vietnam
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