Cancer News
Singapore doctors develop new cell therapy that saved patients from treatment-resistant cancer
team of doctors in Singapore has developed a new cell therapy
A for cancer patients who have otherwise exhausted all other forms of treatment . The new cell therapy was developed by researchers and clinicians from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore ( NUS ) and the National University Health System ( NUHS ). The therapy was well tolerated and the side effects were mild . The first patient who was treated with this therapy has now been in remission for five years , without the need for additional chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant . Of the 16 who went into complete remission , five later died , some due to underlying medical conditions not linked to the treatment .
The National University Health System and National University of Singapore CAR T team of Dr Esther Chan ( left ), Dr Bernice Oh ( centre ) and Professor Allen Yeoh at the National University Hospital on Sep 30 , 2024 .
Researchers uncover new role of mutant Ras Proteins in some of the deadliest cancers
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) and their collaborators have discovered a new way in which RAS genes , which are commonly mutated in cancer , may drive tumor growth beyond their well-known role in signaling at the cell surface . Mutant RAS , they found , helps to kick off a series of events involving the transport of specific proteins in the nucleusExit Disclaimer that lead to uncontrolled tumor growth , according to a study published November 11 , 2024 , in Nature Cancer .
The researchers believe their finding may have potential applications for the treatment of RAS-fueled cancers . “ This is the first study to show that mutated RAS genes can promote cancer in an entirely new way ,” said study author Douglas Lowy , M . D ., deputy director of NIH ’ s National Cancer Institute ( NCI ). “ The finding of the additional role for RAS proteins has exciting implications for improving treatment . New treatment combinations could one day be developed that take this new role for RAS into consideration ”.
PHOTO : CNA / ILI NADHIRAH MANSOR
WHO , stepping up in Indonesia
On 24 July 2024 , the World Health Organization
( WHO ) and key partners completed a 10-day in-country mission to support Indonesia to increase access to quality and comprehensive cancer control services . The in-country mission was the second of three phases of the 2024 Integrated Mission of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy ( ImPACT Review ) for Indonesia , supported also by the International Agency for Atomic Energy and the International Agency for Research on Cancer .
With WHO support , Indonesia has introduced human papillomavirus and hepatitis B vaccination country-wide and launched the National Action Plan for Cervical Cancer Elimination 2024 – 2030 . It has strengthened screening for and treatment of cervical pre-cancerous lesions .
The 2024 imPACT Review will inform Indonesia ’ s forthcoming comprehensive National Cancer Control Plan , the National Action Plan for Childhood Cancers , and the roadmap for integrating palliative care into primary care .
OncoCare Cancer Centre expands from Singapore to Malaysia
OncoCare Cancer Centre ( OncoCare ), one of
Singapore ’ s leading private oncology providers , recently announced the opening of its first international facility at Thomson Hospital , Kota Damansara . This expansion is an important step in OncoCare ’ s mission to bring top-quality cancer care accessible to patients across Southeast Asia .
The centre is known for its multidisciplinary approach , offering innovative treatments such as precision oncology , immunotherapy , and targeted therapy , alongside compassionate support .
The new centre is currently undergoing remodelling to enhance the patient journey and experience , all while remaining fully operational . Once completed , OncoCare Malaysia will feature the latest medical technologies , and a welcoming environment designed to support patients at every stage of their journey .
14 ISSUE 5 | 2024 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com