Background
Singapore-Cancer Society Research Projects.
Thursday, 31 August 2006

Singapore, 31 August 2006 - National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) will embark on two research projects which will help doctors improve the early detection of lung cancer and the reduction of side effects amongst breast and colon cancer patients in Singapore. The Run for Hope Research Grant will award $200,000 to two NCCS researchers Dr Darren Lim, Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology, and Dr Yap Yoon Sim, Associate Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology.

Prof Soo Khee Chee, NCCS Director, says, ’Through such research projects, NCCS has been able to expand medical knowledge and expertise. Ultimately, our patients benefit from this translational research. This is in line with NCCS’ vision to become a centre of excellence for cancer diagnosis and treatment. We are grateful to the Singapore Cancer Society for their support.’

New Study in Preventing-Hand Foot Syndrome Using Vit B6

Hand foot syndrome is a common side effect with the use of capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy drug that is prescribed to many breast and colon cancer patients. These two cancers rank among the top 3 cancers in Singapore. Although this drug is generally better tolerated than many other chemotherapy drugs, the syndrome is associated with dry tingling hands and feet which can also be red and painful. In severe cases affecting up to 20 % of those on this drug, patients can get blisters or pain in their palm and soles that impede their ability to walk and work, undermining the quality of life for cancer patients. Hand foot syndrome also disrupts treatment when the side effect is not tolerated.

Together with other colleagues in NCCS, Dr Yap plans to investigate whether pyridoxine (Vit B6) would help prevent the onset of hand foot syndrome. The trial would involve 300 patients and it would be the 1 st of its kind for pyridoxine in Singapore. It is expected to take up to two years to do the study. “Vitamin B6 is frequently used when patients develop hand foot syndrome, but we need to perform well-designed trials to see how effective it really is in preventing hand foot syndrome.” said Dr Yap. Recently back from working overseas, she is keen to see how this vitamin can make a difference to the quality of life for cancer patients.

Treating Lung Cancers of Non-Smokers

For Dr Darren Lim, the grant will be used to identify genetic variations in genes such as MDM2 that are associated with early onset of cancers. To date approximately one-third of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are non-smokers and they usually present with an earlier onset of disease. The origins of their cancer remains unknown.

‘Studying the genetic variations in this MDM2 cancer gene would be useful in identifying this set of cancer patients who develop cancer at a young age and do not respond well to chemotherapy. If we are to develop successful targeted therapies for this set of cancer patients, we would need more information on the cause of their cancer,” explains Dr Lim whose research is in collaboration pharmacologists like Dr Balram Chowbay at the centre.

The implication and potential for development of targeted treatments using Dr Lim’s research is vast since this kind of cancer affecting the non-smoking, female population is rather unique to our local population.

Evolving Therapies

Research work conducted by NCCS has over the years offered patients with the latest therapies. As a premier cancer centre, NCCS houses many clinician scientists who have clinched international and national awards. Their expertise is crucial in helping NCCS offer clinical excellence through a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach to cancer treatment.

For more details, photos and media interviews on the above, please click [here].