NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR)

Genetic Testing in Asian Cancer Patients: Early Detection and Prevention Multiple primary cancers (MPC) often indicate a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. In a study led by Prof Soo Chin Lee, 19% of 3514 cancer patients who underwent germline genetic testing through a cancer genetics clinic had MPC and 29.4% of these MPC patients tested positive for at least one pathogenic germline variants (PGVs), compared to 20.8% positivity rate among patients with single primary cancer. PGVs are inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing certain diseases, including cancer. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive genetic testing for MPC patients to better identify and manage hereditary cancer risks. This approach will refine genetic testing, enhance early detection, personalise cancer treatment and prevention strategies, thereby advancing the field of precision medicine. https://bit.ly/426s8b2 #genetictesting #cancerresearch

Deeply honoured to have our cancer research showcased by Science Featured! Thanks to iHealthtech, National University of Singapore for supporting this important research. #MagneticMitohormesis #CancerTherapy #BreastCancer

N2CR had the pleasure of hosting Prof Edison Liu for his seminar on 'Mapping Genes That Determine Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response in Cancer'. Prof Edison Liu is an international expert in cancer biology, systems genomics, human genetics, molecular epidemiology and translational medicine. He has authored more than 320 scientific papers. His research focuses on the functional genomics of human cancers, particularly breast cancer, uncovering new oncogenes, and deciphering on a genomic scale the dynamics of gene regulation that modulate cancer biology. Prof Liu's insights and expertise provided invaluable knowledge and inspiration. Thank you, Prof Edison Liu, for sharing your wisdom with us.

Predicting CLL Treatment with BCL-2 Dependence Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the buildup of abnormal lymphocytes. It is the most common form of leukemia in adults. While genetic markers help with chemoimmunotherapy, new markers are needed for targeted therapies. A multinational team of researchers, with first-author Dr Stephen Jun Fei Chong from N2CR, used BH3-profiling and various genetic and molecular data to find new treatment response markers. In 73 CLL patients, higher dependence on the BCL-2 protein was linked to better genetic markers and drug sensitivity. This was confirmed in cell studies and additional patients, showing BCL-2 dependence predicted positive treatment responses. BCL-2 dependence could be a useful marker for predicting CLL treatment response, helping to tailor therapies more effectively. https://bit.ly/4hz7ip8 #Leukemia #cancerresearch

N2CR is delighted to share the exciting news that Prof Ashok Venkitaraman, Director of NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. The AACR Academy honours distinguished scientists whose work has significantly advanced our understanding and treatment of cancer. Prof Ashok Venkitaraman's groundbreaking research on the tumour-suppressive mechanisms of BRCA2 has been instrumental in uncovering new pathways for cancer prevention and therapy, offering hope to countless patients worldwide. This accolade not only highlights Prof Venkitaraman's exceptional achievements but also underscores the impact of the innovative research being conducted here at N2CR. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and look forward to the continued progress and breakthroughs that his work will undoubtedly bring. Please join me in congratulating Prof Ashok Venkitaraman on this well-deserved honour. His dedication and achievements inspire us all. #AACRfellow #AACR #cancerresearch #BRCA2

Women often face unique healthcare challenges, from delayed diagnoses to limited access to specialized treatments. Leaders in Singapore are working to bridge this gap, raising awareness and advocating for better healthcare access for women. "By prioritising their own well-being, women not only enhance their own quality of life, but also ensure they have the strength and resilience to care for their loved ones," shares Professor Lee Soo Chin, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology at NCIS, emphasizing the importance of self-care in maintaining overall health. By empowering women with knowledge and resources, we can create a future where no woman suffers in silence. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gpnUFvGG #TeamNCIS #NCISFightsCancer #NCISintheNews #WomenEmpowerment

One Month of Brief Weekly Magnetic Field Therapy Enhances the Anticancer Potential of Female Human Sera Muscle is our first line of defence against cancer. A randomised clinical trial in Singapore, led by N2CR members A/Prof Alfredo Franco-Obregón & Dr Yee Kit Alex Tai, with N2CR graduate student Mr Viresh Krishnan Sukumar as part of the team, showed that one month of non-invasive magnetic therapy, applied to the legs of healthy women, was sufficient to condition their blood to combat breast cancer growth and development. Amazingly, blood taken one month after the last magnetic treatment exhibited the overall greatest anti-cancer potency. bit.ly/43g1b5H #cancerresearch #magneticfieldtherapy #breastcancer

Efficacy of Combined Pembrolizumab and Bevacizumab in Platinum-Resistant Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is common in South China and parts of Southeast Asia. Despite treatment, 20-30% of patients relapse within five years and ultimately become resistant to standard platinum-based chemotherapy; these patients have a poor prognosis with a median survival of 4- 6 months. A randomised clinical trial in Singapore, led by N2CR member Prof Goh Boon Cher and Dr Wan Qin Chong, compared the efficacy of pembrolizumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) alone versus in combination with bevacizumab (a VEGF inhibitor) in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The study involved 48 patients and found that the combination therapy significantly improved the objective response rate (58.3% vs. 12.5%). Although the combination also resulted in a higher incidence of vascular side effects (29% vs. 8%), these side effects were generally manageable. There were no severe or life-threatening side effects or treatment-related deaths in either group. These findings, published in The Lancet Oncology, suggest that pembrolizumab combined with bevacizumab could be more effective than pembrolizumab alone, improving tumour response and potentially setting a new standard of care if validated in a phase 3 trial. https://bit.ly/433JEO9 #throatcancer #cancerresearch

Pleased to share our team’s first publication of 2025, highlighting the therapeutic potential of a bevacizumab and pembrolizumab combination regimen for platinum-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC remains the most prevalent head and neck malignancy in Singapore. Despite initial responsiveness to chemotherapy, approximately 30% of patients experience relapse within five years. While anti-PD-1 therapies offer therapeutic promise, clinical benefit is limited to a minority of patients. Yet, the durable responses observed in good responders underscore the potential of immune-mediated mechanisms in achieving sustained disease control. Our recently completed Phase II clinical trial (NCT03813394), led by Prof. Goh Boon Cher and Dr. Chong Wan Qin (National University Cancer Institute, Singapore yielded the following key findings: 1) The combination of bevacizumab (anti-angiogenic) and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) significantly improved objective response rates and progression-free survival in platinum-resistant recurrent/metastatic NPC. 2)The regimen demonstrated a favourable safety profile, with no grade 4 adverse events or treatment-related fatalities. 3) Patients refractory to pembrolizumab monotherapy exhibited enhanced survival outcomes following transition to the combination therapy. #BiomarkerDiscovery efforts in our research laboratories have yielded several mechanistic insights: 1) PD-L1 expression was not predictive of therapeutic response, suggesting it may be an inadequate biomarker for guiding immunotherapy in NPC patients. 2) Bevacizumab treatment was associated with increased intra-tumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, although the mechanisms underlying this immune modulation remain to be elucidated. 3) Olink Proteomics profiling of longitudinal serum samples revealed rapid proteomic alterations after a single pembrolizumab cycle in responders, implicating tumour microenvironment priming through NF-κB and T cell receptor signalling pathways. 4) Tissue transcriptomic profiling by Ramanuj Dasgupta’s team has indicated a shift in the tumour microenvironment from a pro-tumorigenic to an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like state, characterized by upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes linked to immune activation. Collectively, these findings support the clinical potential of bevacizumab and pembrolizumab as a chemotherapy-free therapeutic strategy for recurrent or metastatic NPC. Ongoing studies focus on evaluating its efficacy against current standard-of-care treatments. We welcome collaborative efforts to validate and expand upon these promising results! Cancer Science Institute of Singapore NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR) NUSMed Department of Pharmacology A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS) and other collaborating institutes

New breakthrough in lung cancer research! A team led by Prof Goh Boon Cher, the Deputy Director of Research, NCIS, has made a significant discovery in combating drug resistance in cancer treatment! Prof Goh explains that by targeting specific proteins that help cancer cells survive treatment, doctors can enhance existing therapies and develop personalized treatment plans for patients who no longer respond to standard care. Link to the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gZZcVdjU #TeamNCIS #NCISFightsCancer #LungCancer #Treatment