Fortis—IBN TissueBank working on improved colorectal cancer treatment

SINGAPORE: Doctors and researchers of the Fortis—IBN TissueBank (FIT) are working to speed up translational research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

FIT is the result of a S$4.5 million investment from a partnership between the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) and Fortis Colorectal Hospital (FCH).

It will focus on expanding the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Singapore and Asia to develop new approaches that can improve diagnosis, treatment and personalised therapy.

Located at IBN, the biobank will store and maintain patient samples from FCH, such as tissue, blood and bodily fluids for research on various aspects of colorectal cancer.

IBN and FCH will work on the development of non—invasive technologies to offer a viable alternative to conventional biopsy.

With the rapidly—rising numbers of colorectal cancer in Asia, IBN and FCH will focus on individualised therapy for Asian colorectal cancer patients, and aim to deliver the best available care and research to them.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum. It is the most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women, after breast cancer, in Singapore.

To date, a colonoscopy remains the primary test for doctors to screen patients for colorectal cancer.

Unfortunately, with the misconceptions of pain and discomfort surrounding the procedure, many patients would rather avoid it unless they are told to do so by the doctor.

—CNA/ac