Research Themes

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With N2CR 2.0, we are embarking on the next phase of transformation, guided by two cross-cutting research themes — SCOUT (Screening and Carcinogenesis: Origins in Unique Tissues) and COMPASS (Customised Oncology through Molecular Profiling and Strategic Selection). These initiatives aim to catalyse translational research and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations to address the unique challenges of Asian cancers.

SCOUT

– Decoding Cancer’s Beginnings for Healthier Tomorrow

The SCOUT theme aims to elucidate early molecular and cellular events driving carcinogenesis across diverse tissue types, with emphasis on Asian-centric cancers. By identifying precursor lesions and predictive biomarkers, the theme seeks to improve early detection, prevention, and risk stratification strategies for improved patient outcomes.

Theme Leads

Dr CHEOK Chit Fang

Dr OOI Gaik Ming, Melissa

COMPASS

– Charting the Future of Precision Oncology

The COMPASS theme unites a diverse community of basic and clinical cancer scientists to advance customised oncology. By integrating molecular profiling for strategic patient selection and enabling technologies for new treatment modalities, COMPASS builds a collaborative platform to discover mechanisms, refine therapies and accelerate precision medicine with a focus on Asian-specific tumour types.

Theme Leads

Dr Dennis KAPPEI

Dr TAY Kai Xun, Joshua

Our Members

Dr Yvonne ANG

Prof Dario CAMPANA

Research focus is on the development of innovative technologies to treat cancer with immune cells, and their translation into first-in human clinical trials.

Dr CHAN Wee Lee, William

A/Prof CHEE Yen Lin

A/Prof CHEE Cheng Ean

Research interest is in precision oncology in colorectal, pancreas and liver cancers. I develop and conduct clinical trials with novel therapeutics and work with collaborators within and outside Singapore on translational and biomarker research in these areas. In addition, I am interested in healthcare delivery and personalizing care for our cancer survivors.

A/Prof CHEN Zhi Xiong

Neuroblastoma is the leading cause of cancer death in children. Our research is to develop improved approaches for treating neuroblastoma through drug repurposing and predicting outcome in paediatric tumours through blood sample monitoring.

A/Prof CHEN Ee Sin

A/Prof Polly CHEN

Research focus is on identifying how the harmful changes that occur in RNA molecules trigger a cell to develop into cancer which can eventually lead to the unsatisfactory treatment outcomes for patients with cancers. The long-term goal of Dr Chen’s team is to develop novel cancer therapies targeting these cancer-associated RNA changes.

Dr CHEONG Jit Kong

Research focus is on uncovering and characterising novel signalling nodes of oncogenic RAS-driven human cancers to facilitate the development of tractable therapeutic modalities.

A/Prof CHEW Suk Peng, Valerie

Research delves into deciphering the intricate immune landscape and crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a keen focus on uncovering biomarkers and therapeutic avenues.

Dr CHIA Le Bin, Gloryn

Research focuses on developing novel immunotherapies that harness the immune system to target tumors, with a particular emphasis on neoantigens. These neoantigens, which arise from tumor-specific mutations, represent a distinct class of antigens recognized by T cells, making them promising targets for precision cancer therapies. By identifying and characterizing these neoantigens, the aim is to develop personalized cancer vaccines and T cell-based therapies that improve the immune system’s capacity to recognize and eliminate tumors.