The Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) and Temasek Trust (TT) have committed S$12 million to bring innovative non-invasive ultrasound-based histotripsy tumour clinical trials to Singapore.
The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) will each receive one Histotripsy System – the first of such to be available in Southeast Asia.
The funding from LKSF and TT will also support a clinical trial in Singapore for patients with liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers, advancing regional cancer research and innovation.
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Mr. Dickson Lim, Head, TTFA, said, “We at TTFA are delighted to have the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust come together to catalyse this important initiative, to study this innovative non-invasive ultrasound-based cancer therapy in Southeast Asia. We are privileged to work alongside NCCS and NCIS to support clinical research and trials to use this novel modality that targets important cancers. Over time, we aim to attract additional philanthropic capital from other donors to sustainably support the next phase of cancer research.”
Rising Regional Cancer Burden and the Need for Innovative Treatment
Liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers are on the rise across Asia, with Southeast Asia experiencing the fastest-growing incidence and mortality rates. Factors such as aging populations, changing lifestyles, and environmental exposure contribute to the regional cancer burden.
In Singapore, liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death for men, with liver and pancreatic cancers among the top 10 causes of cancer mortality. These cancers often do not show symptoms until the later stages, making early detection and effective treatment difficult.
Histotripsy: An Innovative Technology
Developed by US medical company, HistoSonics, the HistoSonics Histotripsy System generates microbubbles that rapidly expand and collapse, producing shock waves that break down tumours at the cellular level. This approach does not require surgery, and can non-invasively destroy tumours, including those that cannot be surgically removed.
Unlike surgery, radiotherapy, or traditional ablation, histotripsy requires no incisions or radiation, offering a painless, scarless, and bloodless treatment.
Clinical Trial on Histotripsy Therapy and Research in Asia
The application for the clinical trial using the HistoSonics Histotripsy System is being prepared. Professor Brian Goh Kim Poh, Head of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, NCCS and Singapore General Hospital, and principal investigator of the trial, will work alongside a team of oncologists, interventional radiologists and researchers from both NCCS and NCIS.
Professor Goh said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to embark on clinical trials for liver, kidney and pancreatic cancers which are prevalent in Southeast Asia. We plan to initiate trials for liver cancers first. While surgery and local ablative therapies are the main treatment modalities for liver cancers today, not all patients are suited to undergo these invasive treatments due to various factors such as patient fitness, tumour location or underlying liver disease. For these patients, innovations such as histotripsy offer an alternative option with potential advantages as it is noninvasive. We are extremely grateful to the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust for their generosity and strong support towards advancing cancer research by enabling us to study this novel technology.”
Associate Professor Glenn Kunnath Bonney, Senior Consultant, Division of Surgical Oncology, NCIS, said: “We are currently preparing for the clinical trial of histotripsy as a potential treatment approach for patients with liver and other complex cancers. I have just returned from an international meeting where I was shown the promising results from early clinical trials. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding evidence-based options through rigorous research, with the goal of improving patient outcomes over time. We are grateful to the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust for their support, and look forward to working with our partners to build the necessary foundation for careful clinical studies.”
About Li Ka Shing Foundation
Li Ka Shing Foundation believes in philanthropy with societal impact. Since 1980, we have been helping to reform education and further medical research. To date, Mr Li Ka-shing has invested over HK$30 billion in projects covering education, medical services, charity and anti-poverty programmes, with about 80% of the projects in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
About Temasek Trust
Temasek Trust was established by Temasek Holdings and is a steward of philanthropic assets. It aims to catalyse positive impact by protecting the planet, uplifting communities, connecting people, and advancing capabilities. By forging new pathways for philanthropy and impact investing with like-minded partners, Temasek Trust seeks to promote catalytic philanthropy as a force for good.
