Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) Services

At the ATU, APNs play a key role in supporting cancer patients receiving anti-cancer infusion therapies such as intravenous chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, our APNs facilitate the delivery of safe, personalised, and comprehensive care throughout the treatment journey.

Our APNs provide clinical leadership to the nursing team and junior doctors, ensuring high standards of care across all aspects of treatment, including:

• early recognition and management of infusion‑related adverse drug reactions.
• assessment and management of side effects associated with anti-cancer therapies.
• care of patients with complications related to central venous access devices.

Selected APNs undergo additional specialised training to perform Bone Marrow Aspiration and Trephine Biopsy procedures. This advanced capability enhances timely access to diagnostic services, improves patient experience, and helps reduce waiting times.

The Breast Surgical Oncology APN service is an integral part of the multidisciplinary care team supporting patients with breast cancer. Our APNs serve as counsellors, educators, care coordinators, and advocates throughout pre‑operative assessment, post‑operative recovery, and follow‑up care. In collaboration with breast surgeons and medical oncologists, our APNs also lead survivorship clinics, supporting patients as they transition beyond active treatment.

Survivorship clinics focus on disease surveillance, health screening, management of treatment‑related effects, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices — helping patients live well after cancer treatment.

APNs at NCCS are trained to perform specialised procedures, including the unblocking of central venous access devices using anti‑thrombolytic agents. They provide expert care for patients experiencing complications such as skin irritation, non‑healing wounds, or infection.

Our APNs also manage external drainage devices, ensuring proper function, infection prevention, and timely removal when no longer required. Working closely with Singapore General Hospital’s Interventional Radiology nursing team, our APNs ensure prompt escalation of complex cases and seamless coordination of care — keeping treatment devices safe, functional, and comfortable for patients.

APNs play a vital role in CRC, where they conduct comprehensive assessments for patients experiencing complications related to cancer and its treatment.

Working closely with patients’ primary medical teams, our APNs evaluate treatment-related side effects, manage symptoms, and coordinate timely interventions. The clinic primarily supports patients who have recently completed treatment and require close monitoring to ensure safe recovery and continuity of care. As APNs with collaborative prescribing authority, they bridge complex oncological care with patient‑centred support — optimising treatment outcomes while enhancing comfort, confidence, and understanding throughout the cancer journey.

GI Oncology APNs work closely with GI medical oncologists to provide expert, compassionate care for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

GI Oncology APNs support patients across the full spectrum of their cancer journey — from clinical reviews and symptom assessment to the ordering and interpretation of investigations such as blood tests and imaging. They coordinate care within the multidisciplinary team to ensure timely treatment, seamless transitions, and comprehensive management of patient needs.

In addition, GI Oncology APNs provide specialised care for patients with stomas and surgical drains, promoting optimal healing, comfort, and quality of life.

Gynaecologic Oncology APNs provide specialised, comprehensive care for women undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancers. Working closely with gynaecologic medical oncologists, our APNs support patients through coordinated care planning, treatment education, and proactive monitoring and management of therapy‑related toxicities. They also lead survivorship and toxicity clinics, offering individualised follow‑up and sustained supportive care beyond active treatment.

Beyond treatment-related care, Gynaecologic Oncology APNs empower patients with chronic illness self‑management, promote appropriate cancer screening, encourage healthy lifestyle practices, and provide sexuality education to support overall well‑being. They also facilitate patient engagement through gynaecological cancer support groups, ensuring care that extends into survivorship and quality of life.

The Head and Neck Surgical Oncology APN service at NCCS provides specialised, patient-centred care throughout the surgical oncology journey. Our APNs work closely with the surgical team to conduct pre‑operative assessments, support post‑operative recovery, provide follow‑up reviews, and deliver care within survivorship clinics. This includes ongoing disease surveillance and the management of early and late treatment‑related effects. Through coordinated, holistic, and timely care, our APNs enhance patient safety, recovery, and overall experience.

HPB APNs work collaboratively with surgeons and the multidisciplinary team to provide specialised care for patients undergoing complex liver, pancreatic, and biliary procedures. The service includes performing Indocyanine Green (ICG) retention tests, providing post‑operative drain management, and caring for patients with percutaneous drainage catheters. Our APNs also educate patients and caregivers on the safe and effective management of external drainage devices, supporting recovery and reducing complications.

The Lung Oncology APN-led service works in close partnership with the Lung Medical Oncology team to support patients with lung cancer across all stages of care.

The Lung Oncology APN-led Clinic provides comprehensive care for patients receiving oral therapies such as Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), as well as for those experiencing symptoms related to their disease or treatment. In collaboration with the primary consultant, APNs regularly review patients’ progress, monitor treatment responses, and deliver timely interventions. They support patients with lung cancer through advanced care planning discussions, offering support in planning ahead and making care decisions that reflect personal goals and preferences.

Our APNs also work as part of a broader multidisciplinary team that includes lung specialty nurses, medical oncologists, care coordinators, supportive care nurses, and patient advocates from the Lung Cancer Education and Advocacy Programme (LEAP). This integrated approach enables proactive identification of patient needs, streamlines care pathways, and delivers coordinated, holistic support throughout the lung cancer journey.

A Lymphoma APN is a specialist nurse with advanced training in caring for people living with lymphoma, including those receiving treatments like CAR-T cell therapy.

Our APNs are the main point of contact throughout a patient’s cancer journey. Before treatment begins, they prepare patients and families for what to expect. During treatment, they check in between chemotherapy cycles, monitor how the patient is responding, and manage any side effects early. After treatment ends, they continue to follow up regularly, support patient recovery, and carefully monitor a patient’s long-term health.

Our Haematology Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) provide specialised care and support for people living with blood disorders and blood cancers. As part of the multi-disciplinary team, they work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to guide patients and families through every stage of treatment. Haematology APNs play an important role in delivering holistic, integrated patient-centred care that addresses both medical and psychosocial needs.

Haematology APNs are trained to assess symptoms, manage side effects, provide education, and support decision-making. They care for patients with conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood disorders as well as patients undergoing stem cell transplant and cellular therapy, while helping to coordinate treatment. In addition to advanced clinical care, our APNs offer emotional support, assist patients in advance care planning and practical advice to help patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their care journey.