DOCTORS can now predict with a high degree of certainty if liver cancer patients will have a relapse within a year of surgery, as a result of research conducted here.
National Cancer Centre researchers have identified a new gene 'signature' - a particular combination of 57 genes - that can predict with 88 per cent accuracy if a patient will have a relapse within a year. The gene signature can be put in a chip, and used to test cancerous tissue taken from a patient.
This means these patients can be given more aggressive treatment like chemotherapy earlier, before the cancer actually recurs, said lead researcher Hui Kam Man.
Currently, liver cancer patients have the affected parts surgically removed and are usually not given chemotherapy after that unless the cancer returns - by which time it is often too late, said Professor Hui.
Liver cancer is the fourth most common cancer here, with about 300 new cases every year.
Prof Hui expects the test, which should not cost more than $1,000, to be available within a year.
He will be one of 200 speakers at a landmark scientific conference next month.
The Combined Scientific Meeting is the first time that public health groups, Singapore Health Services and National Healthcare Group, and the National University of Singapore are holding a joint meeting.
More than 4,100 participants are expected at the three-day event, from Nov 4 to 6, at the Raffles City Convention Centre.