On the invitation of NCC on 22 February, eminent lung surgeon and research scientist Dr Valerie W. Rusch MD, gave a lecture on “Evolving Management of Lung Cancers in the era of Molecular Science”. Dr Rusch is the Chief, Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York. She has also been leading national clinical trials for the treatment of thoracic cancers.

In the talk, she imparted her knowledge on the latest trends in the treatment of lung and esophagus cancers as well as mesothelioma and the development of methods to detect thoracic cancers at an early stage. She also spoke about her current research that focuses on the genetics of lung cancer and mesothelioma that aims to predict how a patient would respond to a particular treatment.

After she returned to US, she wrote to NCC to express her deep appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to her during her stay in Singapore. She was also impressed by the clinical and research facilities as well as the high quality of clinical care in NCC.

Staff Movements

Farewell to Dr Rajan

We bid a fond farewell to Dr Sandeep Rajan, who has relocated to another continent, as Senior Consultant, Hematology & Oncology Unit, DCH Research Centre in New Delhi. Dr Rajan was with National Cancer Centre from July 2000 till December 2005, first as Consultant, and then as Senior Consultant. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.

Returned from sabbatical
In February this year, Dr Philip Karuman, consultant with surgical oncology department, with sub-specialty interest in HPB surgery, returned from his sabbatical from University of Pittsburg Medical Centre.

NCC in media spotlight

From January to March 2006, a number of NCC physicians and researchers were in media limelight for their respective research discoveries and media interviews.

“Singapore-led team makes stomach cancer finds” (Straits Times, 3 March)

Senior Scientist, Dr Patrick Tan led an international team of researchers from University of Hong Kong, the University of Tokyo and Australia’s Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre. Looking at more than 300 tissue samples from cancerous tumours, and studying 20 millions of interactions among genes, the team made some significant discoveries. The researchers have, for example, uncovered key molecular changes which cause the cells to divide uncontrollably and change into intestinal tissue – often a precursor to cancer.

The work was also published recently in an international journal, Cancer Research.

“Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLN)– A minimally invasive way to check for spread of breast cancer” (LianHe ZaoBao, 9 March)

National Cancer Centre oncologist consultant, Dr Yong Wei Sean updated the press on a safer method to trace the spread of breast cancer cells. During the procedure - sentinel lymph node biopsy, the surgeon injects a blue dye and radiocolloid into the area around the tumour. The blue dye follows the path that tumour cells would most likely take from the tumour region to the lymph nodes. The surgeon then removes just one or more sentinel lymph nodes and are sent to the pathologist for analysis.

As compared to the standard axilliary node dissection where most of the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed, this lesser invasive surgical technique spares many women of the need for a more extensive operation. Up to 50% of breast cancer patients in the early stages are mostly likely to benefit from this procedure. However, Dr Yong highlighted that not every breast cancer patient is eligible for SLN. Eligibility of this procedure depends on the extent and stage of cancer, and size of the tumour.

NCC Launches with Australia specialist programme in palliative medicine (Lianhe Zaobao, 5 March)

To meet growing demand and interest in palliative care locally and overseas, NCCS and Flinders University of South Australia have signed an MOU to offer Singapore’s first interdisciplinary university course for doctors and nurses in palliative care.

The one-year Graduate Certificate in Health (Palliative Care) programme aims to help health practitioners gain a holistic understanding of palliative care needs in late-stage patients.

For more information on the programme, please log onto NCC website, http://www.nccs.com.sg/pedu/form/APHN_Dip-Grad_Cert_App_Form.doc

Permanent Secretary Visits NCC

Ms Yong Yin-I, Permanet Secretary of Ministry of Health, visited NNCC on 11 January. Accompanied by officials from the health policy, research communicable and non-communicable disease divisions, she was briefed on NCC. This was followed by a short tour to the research facilities, ATU, oncologic imaging and radiation therapy departments. At a closed-door session, NCCS senior management briefed her on NCC's unique brand of cancer care and voiced their concerns. It was a rare opportunity for frank exchanges and insights into PS's views and strategic directions for health care.