Lucence, DxD Hub and NCCS Launch S$6M Research Collaboration to Advance Cancer Diagnostics Through AI and Patient-Centric Research

SINGAPORE, 13 March 2026 — Precision oncology firm, Lucence, with Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub), hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), officially launched UNITED 2.0, a S$6 million research collaboration to develop a next-generation, clinical grade cancer profiling test with the goal of advancing the future of precision diagnostics.

The collaboration builds on the original UNITED 1.0 tissue test, also known as UNITED™ 600, which has helped guide therapeutic selection for cancer patients across the region since 2021. The assay analyses tumour and tissue samples for 572 genes and 71 RNA fusions using both DNA and RNA signals. Building on this foundation, UNITED 2.0 will adopt a dual Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing (WTS) approach, moving beyond “gene snapshots” (tests that look only at selected genes) to provide a more complete picture of the cancer. This enables more detailed tumour profiling, including the identification of complex mutations and fusions, helping clinicians identify genetic alterations that can be targeted with precision treatments. The team will also use AI to support more efficient analysis and reporting of the large amount of genomic data generated.

The clinical-grade test will analyse a broad range of cancers, including breast, lung, colon, bladder, CNS tumours, and lymphoma. In addition to the panel’s enhancement, the collaboration’s roadmap includes plans to develop tools to monitor a patient’s status after treatment. This includes "Minimal Residual Disease" (MRD) testing, which aims to detect early signs of cancer recurrence, enabling quicker clinical intervention.

“UNITED 2.0 moves us from a 'snapshot' to a high-definition map of a patient’s cancer,” said Dr. Tan Min-Han, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P., Ph.D., Founding CEO and Medical Director of Lucence. “By integrating AI with comprehensive DNA and RNA sequencing, we are turning massive amounts of complex data into clear, actionable answers that will help clinicians choose better treatments faster.”

“Clinical diagnostics only creates value when it performs reliably in real-world settings and fits into routine care,” said Dr Weng Ruifen, Chief Executive Officer of DxD Hub. “With UNITED 2.0, we are strengthening the end-to-end test design, from sample handling to analytical validation and clinical reporting, so that more comprehensive tumour profiling can move from advanced sequencing into dependable clinical use. By working with Lucence and NCCS, we aim to deliver a test that clinicians can trust and act on with confidence.”

"Innovation is key to delivering the best possible care to patients with cancer," said Assistant Professor Jason Chan, Director, Cancer Discovery Hub, NCCS. "While the earlier assay already advanced precision cancer diagnostics, this latest collaboration represents an opportunity to incorporate cutting-edge tumour sequencing technologies into the original platform, enabling even more comprehensive and in-depth tumour analysis. We hope that this will help clinicians successfully treat patients with rare cancers, or those who have exhausted standard treatment options, in the future.”

Parallel to the technical research, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between Lucence, the Brain Tumour Society Singapore (BTSS), and DxD Hub. This partnership establishes a framework for patient perspectives to inform the research and development process, helping to ensure that future diagnostic tools better reflect the needs and experiences of patients.

“A precise diagnosis is the foundation of the patient journey, but the process is often ‘hidden’ from the patient,” said Melissa Lim, President of BTSS. This MOU represents a formal commitment to keep the patient’s perspective at the heart of cancer research.”

Over the next three years, the UNITED 2.0 collaboration will work to bring the research closer to clinical application. Complementing this effort, the new partnership between Lucence, DxD Hub and BTSS reflects a shared commitment to keeping patient perspectives central to the future of cancer diagnostics.

- End -

For media queries and clarifications, please contact:

Dharshini Subbiah
Corporate Communications
National Cancer Centre Singapore
Email: dharshini.subbiah@nccs.com.sg

About Lucence

Lucence is a precision health company committed to accelerating the world towards people living longer and healthier lives, enabled by earlier and non-invasive detection of markers associated with cancer and other aging diseases. Its ultra-sensitive liquid biopsy tests are based on proprietary AmpliMark™ sequencing technology, designed to detect cancer-related genetic alterations with high sensitivity and specificity. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and Singapore, Lucence provides testing services through CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories.

About the Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub)

The Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub) is a national platform hosted by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It enables efficient and effective productisation of fit-for-purpose In-Vitro Diagnostics and Digital Health solutions for health and economic impact. DxD Hub has cross-cutting, multidisciplinary diagnostics product development capabilities that spans across Molecular Diagnostics, Proteomics, Digital Health and Integrated Point-of-Care diagnostics. We work with public and private partners, supporting the transformation of the Medtech landscape in Singapore through innovative solutions. For ongoing news, visit https://www.a-star.edu.sg/dxdhub

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg

About the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS)

The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a leading national and regional tertiary cancer centre dedicated to advancing cancer care, research and education. With a comprehensive suite of specialties and services, NCCS treats all cancers and offers personalised and multidisciplinary care to ensure that patients receive holistic, compassionate care and support. Advanced and innovative treatments such as proton therapy at the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre, immunotherapy, and cell therapy give patients at NCCS the best treatment outcomes.

Ranked among the top cancer centres in Asia, NCCS is globally recognised for its research expertise, with clinicians and scientists collaborating with local and international partners to conduct cutting-edge clinical and translational research that makes a real impact and offers hope of a cancer-free tomorrow. As an academic healthcare institution, NCCS is committed to nurturing future generations by delivering specialised training to local and overseas oncology healthcare professionals. For more information, please visit www.nccs.com.sg