Active research in the form of clinical trials is spearheaded by the Haematology-Oncology Research Group (HORG) at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS). HORG is part of the Cancer Therapeutics Research Group (CTRG). Supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), CTRG is a collaboration between:
- National University Hospital, Singapore
- National University of Singapore
- Sydney Cancer Centre
- University of Sydney
- Johns-Hopkins - NUH International Medical Centre, Singapore
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- National Cancer Centre, Singapore
- Yonsei Cancer Centre, Seoul, South Korea
Historically, clinical trials on new anti-cancer drugs were run in the United States and Europe. The aim of CTRG is :
- To develop new and better treatment options for cancers common in Asia and the Pacific by performing clinical trials on new anti-cancer drugs in this region
- To provide a credible and reliable database for the registration and licensing of new compounds in Asia and with regulatory authorities worldwide
With the setup of CTRG, patients have quicker access to the latest experimental anti-cancer drugs in Asia, rather than having to wait till they are commercially available. Furthermore, promising new drugs for the treatment of cancers common in Asia but rare in the West can be evaluated in a more localized setting. Significantly CTRG enables the evaluation of new cancer drugs simultaneously in an Asian and Western population, allowing doctors to answer fundamental questions concerning drug handling, cancer biology and differences in drug sensitivity between the two populations.
CLINICAL TRIALS are studies conducted with volunteer patients, like you, to find new and better treatments. Results of the trials are closely monitored and carefully recorded. Together we can find safer and more effective treatments.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are clinical trials important to me?
Cancer research allows medical science to find new and better treatments. Clinical trials can then prove the safety and effectiveness of the treatment before they are made available to others. With volunteers patients like you, we can research into treatments with higher efficacy and greater safety.
Are there related risks and side effects?
Any treatment and trial may cause side effects and health risks in some volunteers. This varies from person to person. We research into possible side effects. But because trial treatments are new, not all risks can be anticipated. Nevertheless, you will be constantly cared for and closely supervised by a team of specialists.
How would I be eligible for a clinical trial?
You can participate if your diagnosis, staging and health status comply with the guidelines for the research topic at the point of application. Volunteers like yourself would be cared for according to their diagnosis and how far your cancer has spread (staging). You may check with your doctors to further gain an understanding of the Clinical Trial and your role as a patient before taking part in the trial.
What is informed consent?
The term Informed Consent means that information is given to you, the volunteers, to understand what is involved in the trial, before you decide to take part in the trial or not. During the trial, we (the doctors and the nurses involved) will continuously update you with new information and let you decide whether you are willing to stay on a trial. Signing the consent form does not bind you in any way; you can choose to leave the study at any time.
For more information on clinical trials, please contact:
Haematology-Oncology Research Group (HORG)
c/o National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228
Telephone: +65 6772 4619
Facsimile: +65 6872 3137
Email: horg@nuhs.edu.sg
Website: http://www.horg.org.sg/
