Now, test kit to better diagnose, treat kidney cancer

London: Researchers have developed a new test kit that can help predict and treat kidney cancer in a better way.

Researchers and doctors at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) have co-developed this first molecular test kit, which would be a breakthrough in the field.

Professor Jackie Y. Ying, IBN Executive Director, said that by combining their expertise in molecular diagnostics and cancer research, they have developed the first genetic test to help doctors prescribe the appropriate treatment for kidney cancer patients based on their tumor profile.

Professor Tan Puay Hoon, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Pathology, SGH, said that high quality tissue samples are crucial in achieving significant findings in biomedical research and as an Academic Medical Center; they wish to promote the translation of research into advances in healthcare and personalized medicine, so the development of this test kit for patient care, utilizing the robust tissue archive that they have at SGH, is a good example.

He further explained that their diagnostic assay successfully classified ccRCC into groups correlating to different survival and treatment outcomes, which allows patients and doctors to make more educated choices in their treatment options and the development of such assays in Singapore demonstrated the highest levels of research, care and expertise that are available to their patients there.

There are currently about 250 new patients diagnosed with kidney cancer per year in Singapore.

The study is published in European Urology.