Singapore, 27 February 2007 – As part of the aim to expedite translational research and clinical investigations into cancer, the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) today signed an international collaboration agreement with the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) based in Michigan, USA. This agreement will marry the expertise of doctors and researchers across borders. The two main objectives of the collaboration are:

• To create a world – class translational research laboratory as part of NCCS’
  and VARI’s global strategy for cancer research and treatment;

• To provide specialised training for future clinician scientists and pathologists
  in molecular biology and genetics.

2. VARI was established by entrepreneur Jay Van Andel and his wife Betty, and has since made an impact worldwide on medical science and education. The Institute conducts biomedical research, with a focus on cancer and Parkinson disease, and with an emphasis on translating scientific research results into clinical applications. With four Nobel Laureates on its 5-member Board of Scientific Advisors, VARI brings to the alliance with NCCS its expertise in applying novel cutting edge molecular tools in translational research.

On its part, NCCS will share its research and clinical expertise and wealth of knowledge on the cancers that are common among Asians. The NCCS-VARI laboratory will use the latest technologies including high throughput genomic and proteomic platforms as well as animal models of cancer in conjoined bioinformatics and clinical correlation studies. The NCCS-VARI laboratory will compare differences in biology, behaviour and drug response between Asian and non-Asian cancer patients.

3. As part of its focus on cancers that afflict local populations, the laboratory will include research on kidney cancer that unlike many other cancers, has risen steadily in incidence. Initial observations have shown that Asian kidney cancer patients respond differently from their Caucasian counterparts. The programme will also study cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (specifically natural killer-cell lymphoma), which are more common in Asian patients than in Caucasian patients. [See Appendix I] “These studies aim to develop novel diagnostic and prognostic tools to accurately predict patient response to cancer drugs,” said Dr Koo Wen Hsin, Head, Medical Oncology, NCCS.

4. Professor Teh Bin Tean, Director of NCCS-VARI’s Translational Research Programme said: “Currently, there are insufficient clinical correlation studies with respect to oncology drugs. We hope to increase the specificity of drugs and their
response. This will increase drug efficacy and decrease drug toxicity and side effects.” Prof Teh is both a clinician and a scientist who holds Adjunct Professorships in Universities such as Baylor Medical College, Michigan Technological University and Grand Valley State University, USA, Nanjing University, China and Karolinska Institute, Sweden. He is also the Head of Cancer Genetics and the Head of Sequencing Core and Cytogenetics Core at VARI. He sits on various Editorial Boards such as Cancer Research, International Journal of Oncology, the Journal of Endocrine Genetics and Current Cancer Therapy Reviews.

5. Commenting on the collaboration, Van Andel Institute Chairman and CEO David Van Andel said: “This agreement is reflective of the vision and international leadership present at the National Cancer Centre of Singapore and of the Van Andel Institute’s strong founding commitment to work collaboratively with scientists and
research institutions throughout the world. It stems from the belief that science has no borders – we can accomplish far more in cancer research when we share knowledge and work together toward a cure.”

6. This joint laboratory programme is also unique in its arrangements to encourage not just the free exchange of technology but also oncologists and pathologists in the spirit of enquiry and exploration. NCCS clinicians can spend time in the United States to do full-time research while their US counterparts from VARI can take a sabbatical at NCCS to study cancers that are more prevalent in Asia. In fact VARI is not new to NCCS. One of NCCS’ clinician Dr Tan Min Han had spent a two-year working stint with VARI excelled himself by twice winning the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Foundation Merit award. “We are formalising a very successful programme that will accelerate the completion of clinical and translational research projects. It will also encourage more clinicians to participate in research,” said Prof Soo Khee Chee, Director, NCCS.




                                                                                                                    Appendix I

TYPES OF CANCERS

Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer is increasing in incidence worldwide for unknown reasons. Advanced kidney cancer is a deadly disease with a poor prognosis, with limited treatment options and low survival rates. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Report No. 6: Trends in Cancer Incidence In Singapore, from 1998 to 2002, there were 334 deaths from kidney cancer. As of 2005, kidney cancer is the 7th most common cancer in males in the United States.

Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
Signs and symptoms
Jaundice, along with tea- or coffee-colored urine and whitish stools, is the most common initial sign of bile duct cancer. Other signs and symptoms include:

- Enlarged gallbladder. A blocked bile duct can cause bile to accumulate in the gallbladder, making it larger than normal. Although the gallbladder is hidden behind other organs in the abdomen, detection is through either a physical exam or an ultrasound.
- Intense itching (pruritis). When a tumour obstructs the flow of bile, bile salts may be deposited in the skin, leading to intense itching.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Lymphoma is the eighth most common male cancer in Singapore according to the Singapore Cancer Registry. However in children and young adults, it is the third most common cancer seen. It affects more men than women. Most adult patients develop lymphoma after the age of 50. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more than seven times as common as the other major type of lymphoma — Hodgkin's disease.

Natural killer-cell (NK cell) lymphoma is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is very rare in the United States and Europe but more common in Asian and Hispanic communities. It makes up approximately 4% of all lymphomas. It can occur in children or adults and most often involves the nasal area. But it can also involve the trachea, gastrointestinal tract, testes, or skin.

Signs and symptoms
Swollen, painless lymph nodes in your neck, armpit or groin areas are often the only signs of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in its early stages. Other signs and symptoms may
include:

- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling
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About National Cancer Centre Singapore
The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a national and regional centre directed at the prevention and treatment of different cancers. Structurally and operationally designed to provide integrated and holistic patient-centred clinical services, it allows cross-consultation among cancer experts of different specialties. Patients can therefore enjoy personalised, prompt and customised cancer treatment
recommended by a team of radiation, surgical and medical oncologists (cancer experts) during the same visit.

As a one-stop specialist centre housing Singapore's largest pool of oncologists, it has advanced equipment and employs the latest therapies including mini transplants and targeted therapies that maximise outcomes and minimise undesirable side effects. NCCS also conducts clinical and basic research as well as public cancer education programmes wholly directed at the prevention and treatment of cancer.

About Van Andel Research Institute (VARI)
VARI is an independent research organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. Founded by Jay and Betty Van Andel, they have left a legacy that will touch the health and lives of future generations
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For more information please contact:

Ms Adeline Teo, Corporate Communications, NCCS
Tel: 6236-9429, Fax: 65365501, HP: 8125 7251, email: dcctsf@nccs.com.sg

OR Mr Sunny Wee at HP 9274-6922