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Introduction
The Department of Medical Oncology was the first such unit in Singapore to specialise in the systemic treatments for cancer.
Today, we offer the entire spectrum of cancer therapies: cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), gefitinib (Iressa) and Rituximab (Rituxan). Modern targeted therapy approaches have been shown to be effective in certain cancers such as gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and renal cell carcinoma, giving patients new hope and new opportunities.
We are committed to the highest levels of clinical service and research excellence, and with many drug trials ongoing so that our patients have access to the newest treatments available.
Strong Team-Based, Evidence-based Practice
The Department of Medical Oncology has a large team of specialists seeing up 6000 new cases a year. All consultants are qualified in general oncology, while having a subspecialty focus to maximise the quality of clinical care in that particular area. We are organised into the following sub-specialist teams:
| Tumour Specific Teams: |
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Gastro-Intestinal |
Oesophageal, gastric, intestinal, colon, rectum, anal and hepatobiliary cancers including liver, gallbladder, bile duct |
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Thoracic
Head & Neck
Uro-genital |
Lung, mesothelioma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, kidney, prostate, bladder, germ cell cancers |
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Women’s Cancers |
Breast, ovarian, cervical, endometrium |
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Lymphoma & Sarcoma |
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| Focus groups: |
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Cancer genetics
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Oncology in the Elderly |
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Early Clinical Research Unit |
We are continuously upgrading and expanding our clinical services to keep up with the rapid developments in Oncology worldwide.
Multidisciplinary teams – many experts, one patient
Cancer care often requires multiple specialists. By teaming up with our colleagues in radiation oncology, surgical oncology and palliative medicine, we ensure that patient care is consistently delivered at the highest level. Regular multidisciplinary meetings are conducted weekly in all tumour types. Patients requiring inpatient care further benefit from the facilities and services at Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore.
Notable achievements
- First immunotherapy trial in Singapore, where the patient's own immune system is "reprogrammed" to fight their cancer.
- Gastric cancer consortium (in partnership with Duke/NUS/ NUH) bringing national and international experts together.
- Establishment of the Lung Cancer Consortium (TTSH, KTPH, SGH, CGH, NCC). These consortiums are testimony to the major role NCC has nationally and in the region.
- Investigational Medicine Unit to better understand how new treatments can benefit patients.
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Patient advice and FAQs
| (a) |
Treatment types: chemotherapy / targeted therapies
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, and can destroy cancer cells. However certain cells that divide more frequently may also be affected. These are common side effects for some cancer treatments (in brackets). E.g. Hair follicles (hair loss), skin (rash), gastrointestinal tract (diarrhoea). Some chemotherapy may also cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor/ pharmacist may provide medications to counteract these symptoms. If you feel unwell, you should either seek further medical advice from the walk in clinic, or attend A&E directly if after office hours.
- Targeted therapies are a new generation of cancer treatments. They attack specific receptors on cancer cells. Side effects are generally less severe than cytotoxic chemotherapy. In addition to rash, diarrhoea, occasionally these drugs can also cause reactions that mimic allergies. These will be closely monitored. You are advised to report any symptoms to your attending nurse or doctor.
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(b)
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What should I do if I have a fever?
If you develop a fever (>38°C) and are on chemotherapy, you should seek further medical advice. Certain chemotherapy may cause the blood counts to drop, and should this affect the white cells, may temporarily weaken your immune system. If you feel unwell after chemotherapy, you should seek further medical advice from the walk in clinic, or attend A&E directly if after office hours. |
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Financial Assistance
Seeking Aid. The Psycho-Social Oncology department is led by a team of counsellors and social workers. They have wide experience helping people with cancer. Help can be through psychological support or financial aid. Many organisations will consider applications for financial support, including Singapore Cancer Society, and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Foundation. |
| (d) |
Can I take TCM or Traditional Remedies?
Certain Traditional Remedies may interfere with chemotherapy and potentially cause harm. Please discuss with your doctor if you on any form of chemotherapy and are planning to take TCM.
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| (e) |
What food should I avoid?
You are advised to consume a well balanced diet and avoid excessive use of supplements. Should you require further dietary advice, your primary doctor will be happy to refer you to a dietician. |
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Doctors and Team Profiles
All doctors in DMO are trained in general oncology with specific tumour sites of interest. Below you will find the organisation of the various teams as well as the individual doctor profiles and areas of interest.
| (i) |
GIT (Stomach, Intestines, Colon, Rectum, Pancreatic, Gallbladder, Liver, Oesophagus, Bile Duct, Neuroendocrine Tumours)
- Dr Toh Han Chong (Head of Department)
- A/Prof Koo Wen Hsin
- Dr Simon Ong
- Dr Choo Su Pin
- Dr Tham Chee Kian
- Dr Lim Hwee Yong
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(ii)
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Lung/ Thoracic and Genitourinary (Head and Neck, NPC, Lung, Bladder, Prostate, Kidney)
The HNLGU team is comprises of:
- Dr Tan Eng Huat
- Dr Darren Lim
- Dr Chau Noah Minh
- Dr Ang Mei Kim
- Dr Ng Quan Sing
- Dr Daniel Tan
- Dr Tan Min-Han
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| (iii) |
Women Cancers (Ovarian, Uterine/ Endometrium, Cervical, Breast)
- Dr Soh Lay Tin
- Dr Wong Nan Soon
- Dr Yap Yoon Sim
- Dr Lo Soo Kien
- Dr Raymond Ng
- Dr John Chia
- Dr Lynette Ngo
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| (iv) |
Lymphoma/ Sarcoma
- Dr Lim Soon Thye (Deputy Head)
- Dr Miriam Tao
- Dr Richard Quek
- Dr Kevin Tay
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| (v) |
Focus Groups
- Oncology in Edlerly
- Cancer Genetics and Screening clinic
- Early Clinic Research Unit
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Clinical Trials
i. What is a clinical trial?
ii. Current available trials
Education and Research
The department of medical oncology welcomes staff at all levels to join in the care of cancer patients and there are organised teaching programs for fellows and medical students.
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