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The Star
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Singapore researchers get S$25mil grant to screen, treat lung cancer in Asian patients
SINGAPORE: Researchers in Singapore have received a S$25 million grant to work on tackling lung cancer in Asian patients across all stages – from risk prediction and early detection of those who are at risk, to personalised treatments of patients at more advanced stages of the illness. They want to gain a deeper understanding of why the disease – the deadliest cancer globally and one that kills three people each day in Singapore – behaves differently in Asian patients. Unlike in Western countries, where lung cancer is mainly linked to smoking, nearly half of Singapore's lung cancer patients have never smoked. Many have non-small cell lung cancer, a type of the cancer that is often driven by mutations in a gene known as the EGFR. While the advent of targeted therapies in the past two decades have improved survival rates, most patients develop drug resistance within nine to 15 months, causing relapse. Even early-stage patients face relapse risks after surgery. The question is why. The $25 million grant comes from the Ministry of Health's National Medical Research Council. It establishes the project called Clarion, which stands for Conquering Lung Cancer Across All Stages With Research And Innovation. Clarion will build on more than a decade of research undertaken by a multidisciplinary team led by the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The team also includes researchers from A*Star and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore. At a media briefing at NCCS on July 15, Associate Professor Daniel Tan, a senior consultant in NCCS' Division of Medical Oncology, said lung cancer is a major challenge because some 60 per cent of cases are picked up in the late stages of the disease. Until now, it is not yet clear which group of people is at higher risk of having lung cancer, apart from those who have a family history. Studies elsewhere have also shown that pollution can be one of the non-smoking-related triggers of lung cancer, he said. The researchers want to find out who is at risk of the cancer in order to identify the right groups for screening, as well as find out which groups will progress to having more severe disease, and which ones will not, said Associate Professor Tam Wai Leong, deputy executive director of A*Star Genomic Institute of Singapore. Around two years ago, the national lung cancer research group launched Solstice, Singapore's first local lung cancer screening study to screen family members of lung cancer patients using low-dose CT scans. The new grant will enable them to expand this study. A screening study done in Taiwan found that about 2 per cent of 12,000 non-smokers who were screened had lung cancer. The Taiwan findings suggested that a family history of lung cancer among first-degree relatives significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. While the results of Singapore's screening programme are not ready, the lung cancer research team has achieved other milestones. These include discovering new biomarkers explaining drug resistance, and introducing comprehensive molecular profiling for lung cancer patients, allowing doctors to tailor treatments based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of their cancer. The group also set up Singapore's first multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic, where specialists collaborate to design personalised treatment plans for complex cases. The team's research serves up hope to Asians, particularly those who have never smoked but are at risk of lung cancer – like homemaker Tiffany Khor, 46. She did not notice any symptoms of the disease until she started experiencing breathlessness and a persistent cough following the birth of her second child 10 years ago. An X-ray showed that her entire left lung was filled with fluid and that she had low oxygen levels. At that point, she was told that she had Stage 3B lung cancer had that spread to her diaphragm. Tiffany Khor and her husband Josh Yong. She started experiencing breathlessness and a persistent cough following the birth of her second child 10 years ago. Khor stopped her chemotherapy treatment after only two sessions. 'I didn't know how long I would live, so I decided not to waste any more time undergoing treatment. I wanted to spend the rest of my time with my children,' she told the media at NCCS. After undergoing genomic and molecular testing, she was found to have ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, which could be treated using targeted therapy. However, she decided to seek alternative therapy, until early 2016 when she was too weak to decline treatment. At NCCS, scans showed that her cancer had spread to her brain, which meant her cancer had progressed to Stage 4. She went on targeted therapy and had home hospice care. In late 2023, when scans showed that her cancer spread to the lining of her brain and spinal cord, her husband Josh Yong was desperate for a solution. He researched different clinical trials and came across the drug NVL-655 which had just been cleared by the FDA for clinical trials in the United States in May 2024. From her oncologist, Yong found out that Singapore was one of the sites in a multi-country trial for the oral chemotherapy drug and got her on the ALKOVE-1 trial in June 2024. Results have been very positive, with scans showing that the tumours in Khor's spine and traces of the cancer from her brain lining have gone. Her cancer is now under control. Yong said his wife has never been better mentally and physically since she started struggling with the cancer. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Researchers get $25m grant to screen, treat lung cancer in Asian patients
A team of clinicians and scientists from the National Cancer Centre Singapore have been awarded a $25 million grant. SINGAPORE - Researchers here have received a $25 million grant to work on tackling lung cancer in Asian patients across all stages – from risk prediction and early detection of those who are at risk, to personalised treatments of patients at more advanced stages of the illness. They want to gain a deeper understanding of why the disease – the deadliest cancer globally and one that kills three people each day in Singapore – behaves differently in Asian patients. Unlike in Western countries where lung cancer is mainly linked to smoking, nearly half of Singapore's lung cancer patients have never smoked. Many have non-small cell lung cancer, a type of the cancer that is often driven by mutations in a gene known as the EGFR. While the advent of targeted therapies in the past two decades have improved survival rates , most patients develop drug resistance within nine to 15 months, causing relapse. Even early-stage patients face relapse risks after surgery. The question is why. The $25 million grant comes from the Ministry of Health's National Medical Research Council. It establishes the project called Clarion, which stands for Conquering Lung Cancer Across All Stages With Research And Innovation. Clarion will build on more than a decade of research undertaken by a multidisciplinary team led by the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The team also includes researchers from A*Star and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore. At a media briefing at NCCS on July 15, Associate Professor Daniel Tan, a senior consultant in NCCS' Division of Medical Oncology, said lung cancer is a major challenge because some 60 per cent of cases are picked up in the late stages of the disease . Top stories Swipe. 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Studies elsewhere have also shown that pollution can be one of the non-smoking-related triggers of lung cancer, he said. The researchers want to find out who is at risk of the cancer in order to identify the right groups for screening, as well as find out which groups will progress to having more severe disease, and which ones will not, said Associate Professor Tam Wai Leong, deputy executive director of A*Star Genomic Institute of Singapore. Around two years ago, the national lung cancer research group launched Solstice, Singapore's first local lung cancer screening study to screen family members of lung cancer patients using low-dose CT scans. The new grant will enable them to expand this study. A screening study done in Taiwan found that about 2 per cent of 12,000 non-smokers who were screened had lung cancer. The Taiwan findings suggested that a family history of lung cancer among first-degree relatives significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. While the results of Singapore's screening programme are not ready, the lung cancer research team has achieved other milestones. These include discovering new biomarkers explaining drug resistance, and introducing comprehensive molecular profiling for lung cancer patients, allowing doctors to tailor treatments based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of their cancer. The group also set up Singapore's first multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic, where specialists collaborate to design personalised treatment plans for complex cases. The team's research serves up hope to Asians, particularly those who have never smoked but are at risk of lung cancer – like homemaker Tiffany Khor, 46 . She did not notice any symptoms of the disease until she started experiencing breathlessness and a persistent cough following the birth of her second child 10 years ago. An X-ray showed that her entire left lung was filled with fluid and that she had low oxygen levels. At that point, she was told that she had Stage 3B lung cancer had that spread to her diaphragm. Ms Tiffany Khor and her husband Josh Yong. She started experiencing breathlessness and a persistent cough following the birth of her second child 10 years ago. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Ms Khor stopped her chemotherapy treatment after only two sessions. 'I didn't know how long I would live, so I decided not to waste any more time undergoing treatment. I wanted to spend the rest of my time with my children,' she told the media at NCCS. After undergoing genomic and molecular testing, she was found to have ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, which could be treated using targeted therapy. However, she decided to seek alternative therapy, until early 2016 when she was too weak to decline treatment. At NCCS, scans showed that her cancer had spread to her brain, which meant her cancer had progressed to Stage 4. She went on targeted therapy and had home hospice care. In late 2023, when scans showed that her cancer spread to the lining of her brain and spinal cord, her husband Josh Yong was desperate for a solution. He researched different clinical trials and came across the drug NVL-655 which had just been cleared by the FDA for clinical trials in the United States in May 2024. From her oncologist, Mr Yong found out that Singapore was one of the sites in a multi-country trial for the oral chemotherapy drug and got her on the ALKOVE-1 trial in June 2024. Results have been very positive, with scans showing that the tumours in Ms Khor's spine and traces of the cancer from her brain lining have gone. Her cancer is now under control. Mr Yong said his wife has never been better mentally and physically since she started struggling with the cancer.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From soy sauce to science: Remission Biotech joins NextShark Ventures to advance cancer research
[Source] NextShark Ventures is proud to welcome Remission Biotech as the latest addition to its portfolio of companies redefining the future of wellness and culturally rooted innovation. Remission Biotech is a nature-first biotechnology company dedicated to skin health and next-generation research into fungal-based wellness and cancer science. Founded by Ken Koh, third-generation leader of the iconic Nanyang Sauce, Remission Biotech continues a legacy of time-honored fermentation expertise passed down since 1959. Koh's work in fermentation first gained international attention when studies revealed that Nanyang Sauce's naturally brewed soy sauce contained significant antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Inspired by this discovery, Koh launched KITKOJI, a fermented skincare brand whose name combines 'koji' (the traditional fermentation mold) with 'Kit,' his daughter's name. Kitkoji quickly built a loyal following across Asia for its gentle, microbiome-friendly products. Trending on NextShark: But what began as skincare soon revealed a far greater potential. In 2023, a customer in Australia contacted Koh with an unexpected message: after using Kitkoji's products, the melanoma spots on his skin had disappeared. Taken aback, Koh saw this as more than a coincidence — it was a call to investigate further. Motivated by the possibility of scientific merit, he approached the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to explore what might be happening on a cellular level. This moment would set Kitkoji and Koh on a bold new path: cancer research. Trending on NextShark: 'Our past started in the kitchen, but the future is taking us to the frontiers of cancer research,' said Ken Koh, CEO of Remission Biotech and KITKOJI. 'At Remission Biotech, we've always believed that Mother Nature holds answers to questions we've barely begun to understand. This collaboration with NextShark Ventures gives us the platform to share our research and purpose with a broader global audience—while staying true to our roots in heritage fermentation and holistic wellness. Together, we are bridging heritage and healing.' In May 2022, KITKOJI signed a formal research collaboration agreement with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to explore the use of fungal metabolites—bioactive molecules produced during fermentation—for cancer therapy development. The agreement is conducted through the Cancer Discovery Hub at NCCS. Early lab tests showed that KITKOJI's proprietary extract, 'Extract K,' exhibited promising anti-cancer effects against 25 different cancers, including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, and blood cancers. The extract also demonstrated efficacy in xenograft models and led to the identification of novel compounds potentially responsible for tumor cell death. Trending on NextShark: 'I never imagined soy sauce would lead me here,' said Koh. 'Whether in food or wellness, I've always believed nature knows best. This research is still in early stages, but the potential is beyond what we ever envisioned.' The joint research focuses on the cancer mycobiome—the fungal ecosystem within and around tumors. By exploring how fungal-derived compounds influence cancer progression, the goal is to identify lead compounds that could form the basis of future treatments. 'These findings not only validate the anti-proliferative potential of Extract K but also highlight the immense opportunity within fungal metabolites as a new class of cancer therapeutics,' said Koh. 'This collaboration exemplifies Singapore's growing capabilities in biomedical innovation, combining KITKOJI's expertise in fungal fermentation with NCCS's world-class cancer research.' Trending on NextShark: The project, jointly funded by KITKOJI and NCCS, is scheduled to run for 12 months. If successful, it could lead to clinical trials and contribute significantly to global cancer treatment options. 'We are pleased to extend our partnership with KITKOJI and hope to bring innovative new therapies to patients with cancer,' said Asst Prof Jason Chan, Director at the Cancer Discovery Hub at NCCS. 'This extended collaboration reflects our shared vision to translate scientific discovery into tangible clinical outcomes.' Remission Biotech was born out of this ongoing mission for cancer therapeutic discovery from mycobiota fermentation. Trending on NextShark: Its first product is the world's first spray-on herbal remedy formula designed for sensitive and sun-exposed skin. The product is gaining traction across Asia and globally for its gentle, non-invasive approach rooted in microbiome harmony. 'We're not here to overpromise—we're here to explore,' said Koh. 'Remission is about staying curious and grounded in what nature might still teach us.' For NextShark Ventures, Remission Biotech reflects its core mission: supporting founder-led, culturally driven companies that bridge tradition with innovation. From soy sauce to biotech, and skincare to oncology, Remission Biotech is a rare example of authentic heritage unlocking global scientific impact. 'This partnership is deeply personal for me,' said Benny Luo, Founder and CEO of NextShark. 'I lost my grandmother to cancer in 2021, and I haven't been the same since. I've watched too many friends and loved ones confront this disease head-on. Supporting Remission Biotech isn't just a business decision—it's a commitment to exploring the kinds of healing we need more of in this world. I believe in what Ken is building, and I'm proud to stand behind a vision that bridges tradition, science, and hope.' Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Malay Mail
06-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Could the secret to beating cancer be hiding in soya sauce? Singapore scientists are taking a closer look
SINGAPORE, July 6 — A Singapore skincare company born out of a traditional soya sauce business may hold clues to new cancer therapies, thanks to a fungus used in fermentation. The Straits Times reported today that Kitkoji, a spin-off from heritage brand Nanyang Sauce, is working with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to study fungal metabolites — molecules produced during fermentation — for their potential in treating cancer. The one-year collaboration, signed in May, will focus on validating early findings that showed anti-cancer effects in a proprietary extract found in Kitkoji's products. The key ingredient is Aspergillus oryzae, or koji, a mould commonly used in fermenting soya sauce, miso and sake. In 2022, Nanyang's soya sauce was found to have antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, prompting CEO Ken Koh to launch Kitkoji, a skincare brand using koji-based extracts. In 2023, a user claimed Kitkoji products helped clear melanoma spots, prompting Koh to approach NCCS. Lab tests later found that 'Extract K' showed cancer-fighting potential in a range of cancers, including breast, lung and skin cancers, and performed well in xenograft models using human cancer cells. NCCS and Kitkoji will now explore the cancer mycobiome — fungal communities found in and around tumours — to identify active compounds that may be developed into future treatments. 'This extended collaboration reflects our shared vision to translate scientific discovery into tangible clinical outcomes,' said Assistant Professor Jason Chan, director of the Cancer Discovery Hub. Globally, fungi-based compounds are gaining attention for cancer treatment. In 2024, researchers in the UK reported that cordycepin, derived from a parasitic fungus, could slow tumour growth.
New Paper
06-07-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Soya sauce could help treat cancer
The soya sauce in your food could one day play a part in cancer treatment, taking an unexpected path through skincare technology. The use of fungal metabolites - small molecules produced during metabolism - in the development of new cancer treatments is being studied as part of a collaboration between Kitkoji, a local company which produces fermented skincare, and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The two signed an agreement in May to expand their research, conducted through the Cancer Discovery Hub at NCCS. Kitkoji originated as a spin-off from Nanyang Sauce, a family-run soya sauce manufacturer. In 2022, studies on Nanyang Sauce's traditional fermented soya sauce revealed its anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties, according to Mr Ken Koh, who is the owner of Nanyang Sauce and Kitkoji's chief executive officer. This is due to the presence of a type of mould known as koji, he told The Straits Times. Scientifically known as Aspergillus oryzae, koji plays a key role in the fermentation of soya beans for making soya sauce as well as in the making of alcoholic beverages such as sake. The decision was made to develop a skincare range under the brand name Kitkoji, which combines the word koji with Kit, his daughter's name. Then in 2023, another breakthrough emerged when a customer from Australia reached out to say that using Kitkoji's products had made his skin cancer, or melanoma, spots disappear. Mr Koh was taken aback by the discovery which prompted him to approach NCCS to get all Kitkoji products tested. Though findings have not yet been published, laboratory tests showed promising results in the treatment of 25 cancers - including breast, lung, skin and gastrointestinal cancers - using a proprietary extract found in Kitkoji's products such as serums and masks. The tests had shown the effectiveness of the extract, known as Extract K, in killing cancer cells for certain blood cancers and solid tumours, as well as its efficacy in treating xenograft models - where human cancer cells are transplanted into animals to study drug responses, among other things. Tests had also helped identify potential active compounds responsible for anti-cancer effects. The research collaboration agreement with NCCS aims to validate these findings, and discover what makes Kitkoji products effective against cancer cells, said Mr Koh. Kitkoji said its research collaboration with NCCS will focus on exploring the cancer mycobiome to identify novel bioactive compounds - molecules which can promote good health - to develop innovative cancer treatments utilising fungal metabolites. The cancer mycobiome refers to the fungal community in and around a tumour, which plays a role in the development and progression of cancer. As part of their expanded partnership, Kitkoji and NCCS aim to identify lead compounds, or chemical compounds which could treat disease, within the extract. The year-long collaboration will include assessment of the dosage required in treating various cancers, among other tests. These are aimed at establishing proof of concept, and potentially setting the stage for eventual clinical trials. Assistant Professor Jason Chan, director of the Cancer Discovery Hub, said he hoped the partnership with Kitkoji would bring innovative new therapies to cancer patients. "This extended collaboration reflects our shared vision to translate scientific discovery into tangible clinical outcomes," he added. Other studies have also pointed to the potential uses of fungi in treating cancer. In November 2024, research by scientists from the University of Nottingham, published in the scientific journal FEBS Letters, found that cordycepin - a chemical produced by a parasitic fungus that infects caterpillars - can slow down the growth of cancer cells.
