PRECISION RADIOTHERAPEUTICS
AND ONCOLOGY PROGRAMME
PRECISION RADIOTHERAPEUTICS
AND ONCOLOGY PROGRAMME
Our passion and goal is to develop highly personalized forms of clinical treatment for nasopharyngeal, prostate, head and neck cancer. As every tumor has it's own unique characteristics, understanding these characteristics could help us predict the success rate of today's therapies. Utilizing bioinformatics enable us to analyze datasets, which are used to create clinical diagnostic tools for personalized therapy.
This laboratory is led by Prof Soo Khee Chee and Dr. Melvin Chua, together with individuals from a variety of research backgrounds and qualifications. This diversity brings in different talents together, all of us working towards a common goal using different skill sets.
Gemcitabine and Cisplatin Induction Chemotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Additional gemcitabine and cisplatin induction chemotherapy has shown promising efficacy in phase 2 trials.
Chemotherapy in Combination With Radiotherapy for Definitive-Intent Treatment of Stage II-IVA Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: CSCO and ASCO Guideline
This joint guideline aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other healthcare providers on definitive-intent chemoradiotherapy for patients with stage II-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Efficacy and Safety of Locoregional Radiotherapy With Chemotherapy vs Chemotherapy Alone in De Novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Multicenter Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial
The role of locoregional radiotherapy in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma is unclear. This randomized clinical trial examines the efficacy and safety of locoregional radiotherapy vs raditherapy alone in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
After returning from a family holiday in 2023, Mr Yeo Fu Kiang noticed a persistent blocked ear that led to a diagnosis of stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Under the care of Dr Melvin Chua, scans revealed the cancer had not spread beyond the head region, giving him renewed hope.
Mr Yeo underwent nine sessions of chemotherapy and 35 sessions of proton therapy at the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre. Following treatment, blood tests detected Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA, a biomarker linked to higher risk of NPC recurrence. To reduce this risk, Dr Chua recommended the RIBBON-LA-01 clinical trial, which combines immunotherapy and oral chemotherapy over 12 months.
Now back at work, Mr Yeo embraces a renewed outlook on life. “Before cancer, I used to stress about small things. Now I focus on what truly matters, my wife and children,” he shared
About RIBBON-LA-01
The RIBBON-LA-01 clinical trial is a phase 2 study for patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who still show detectable Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA after standard chemotherapy. These patients are at higher risk of cancer recurrence.
The trial tests a combination of immunotherapy (tislelizumab) and low-dose oral chemotherapy (capecitabine) given over one year, to see if this approach can better prevent cancer from returning and improve long-term outcomes.
Find Out More:
SAF Regular and Father of Five Kids Fights Stage IV Nose Cancer
Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA for Disease Surveillance in Endemic NPC
RIBBON-UM: Treatment individualisation by EBV stratification in NPC
We are proud to share that Dr Melvin Chua has been selected by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) as one of 13 candidates for an open leadership position.
About ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals dedicated to the care of people with cancer.
ASCO’s mission is to conquer cancer through research, education, and the promotion of the highest quality patient care. Its vision is a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.
Find out more:
Comprehensive study to characterize the longitudinal changes in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA following radiotherapy in patients diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) patients. The primary aim of the investigation is to determine whether early or delayed post-radiotherapy EBV DNA testing serves as a more accurate predictor of disease-free survival in these patients. By meticulously analyzing the temporal dynamics of EBV DNA levels, this could significantly enhance the prognostic accuracy by identifying the optimal timepoint for measurement.
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