Cancer Doesn’t Respect Borders — And Neither Should We
Cancer is a global problem. It affects people in every country, across all age groups, and in every community. So why should the research to fight it be confined to national borders?
As a cancer researcher who has worked in both the United States and Taiwan — and who collaborates regularly with scientists from Europe, Asia, and North America — I’ve seen firsthand how powerful international partnerships can be. When we work together across cultures and continents, we share knowledge faster, avoid duplication, and ultimately accelerate the breakthroughs that save lives.
From Local Lab to Global Network
My career continues in Taiwan, but it truly blossomed when I pursued my Ph.D. at University of California and later completed postdoctoral training at MD Anderson Cancer Center. These experiences didn’t just expand my scientific knowledge — they opened my eyes to how differently cancer is approached around the world.
Some countries prioritize early screening and public health strategies. Others invest heavily in immunotherapy and precision medicine. Some researchers are experts in lab techniques I had never encountered before. By connecting with people from other countries, I didn’t just gain knowledge — I gained perspective.
Now, as a professor at China Medical University in Taiwan, I actively seek out cross-border collaborations. Whether it’s co-authoring papers, co-hosting workshops, or mentoring international students, I believe that the future of cancer research lies in a globally connected community.
Success Story #1: Pan-Asian Genomic Study
One recent project I’m proud to have supported involved a regional collaboration between researchers in Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore. The goal was to understand how genetic mutations in cancer patients differ across Asian populations — something that had been underrepresented in Western-centric studies.
By pooling data from thousands of patients across borders, we were able to identify region-specific genetic patterns that could help refine diagnostic tools and treatment plans. No single country could have gathered that much data alone. But together, we created a powerful research engine — and we’re now publishing findings that could influence global cancer care.
Success Story #2: Shared Clinical Trials
Another major win came through a shared clinical trial between institutions in the U.S. and Taiwan, focused on a promising new therapy for liver cancer — a disease particularly prevalent in many parts of Asia. By opening the trial to patients in both countries, we not only sped up recruitment, but also collected more diverse clinical data.
This diversity is critical. Drugs tested only on one ethnic or genetic population may not work the same way for others. International trials help ensure that treatments are safe and effective for everyone — not just a small segment of the world’s population.
Why Collaboration Works
There are three key reasons international collaboration is so effective in cancer research:
- Diverse Perspectives Spark Innovation
When researchers from different backgrounds come together, they approach problems in unique ways. A scientist in Germany might think differently than one in Japan or Brazil. That diversity of thought is a goldmine for innovation. - Shared Resources, Faster Progress
Scientific equipment, funding, and patient populations are often limited in any one institution. When we pool our resources — data, tools, technologies — we move faster. Collaboration allows us to do in two years what might have taken ten. - Training the Next Generation
Through international exchanges, students and early-career scientists gain exposure to new methods and cultures. This prepares them to be more adaptable, creative, and globally-minded researchers.
How to Build Effective Global Partnerships
Of course, collaboration doesn’t happen automatically. It takes intention and effort. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned about making it work:
- Start with Shared Goals
Before partnering with another lab or institution, clarify your mutual interests. Are you working toward the same scientific questions? Do your teams complement each other’s strengths? - Build Trust Over Time
Strong collaborations come from relationships — not just contracts. Take time to understand your partners, their culture, their values. Trust is what allows collaboration to survive when things get hard. - Communicate Clearly and Often
With time zones, language barriers, and different scientific traditions, clear communication is key. Use regular meetings, shared digital platforms, and be mindful of cultural differences. - Include Institutions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Some of the most exciting innovations are happening in places with fewer resources. By including diverse institutions, we not only help strengthen global health equity, but we also uncover perspectives that can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
The Future is Global
If the past two decades have taught us anything, it’s that no single country — no matter how advanced — can solve cancer alone. The future of cancer research will be written by international teams, speaking different languages, working in different time zones, but united by a single mission: to cure cancer and improve lives.
I’m proud to be a small part of that global community. And I encourage every researcher — whether you’re just starting your career or leading a lab — to reach out, connect, and collaborate. The world is full of brilliant minds. Let’s put them to work — together.