IMPROVING CLINICAL CARE AND PATIENT OUTCOMES

The SingHealth Duke-NUS Cell Therapy Centre (SDCT) was launched in May 2021 to provide a cluster-wide focal point in coordinating cell, tissue and gene therapy (CTGT) research and education, as well as clinical trials and services.

This integrated and virtual centre brings together the strengths and expertise of healthcare professionals across various specialties in SingHealth institutions, to leverage on advanced CTGT technologies to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, research and healthcare outcomes by providing seamless, holistic and quality patient-centric care.

SDCT aims to be a global leader in delivering CTGT products and technologies, with a vision to make cellular immunotherapy available to Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region.

RESEARCH & EDUCATION

Research

Besides enhancing patient care, SDCT also focuses on formulating and coordinating cluster-wide efforts in the research and development of novel CTGT products and associated technologies.

Education

Additionally, the Centre organises educational programmes such as the monthly Cell Therapy Lecture Series, bimonthly External Speaker Seminar Series and annual Cell Therapy Conference to equip medical professionals with knowledge of the use of cellular therapies in clinical trials and services.

SDCT will be organising more educational programmes in the near future.

Below are some programmes that may be relevant to general practitioners (GPs):

1. GP forum: To educate GPs on the landscape of cell therapy in cancer and regenerative medicine, and the myths and truths of cell therapy.
2. Public forum: To promote awareness of CTGT clinical services, including the institutions that provide such services, and to provide up-to-date information to patients and families.
3. Multidisciplinary forum: To educate Accident & Emergency, palliative and supportive care teams (e.g., social workers) on complications related to cell therapies, to improve patient outcomes and keep clinical partners updated and involved in these outcomes.
4. Patient support group: To provide a platform for cell therapy patients to share their journey with others and receive emotional and moral support.

GPs who would like to know more about SDCT's educational programmes, or join the mailing list to be updated on SDCT's news, events and activities, please email to [email protected].

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

The Centre works with the Advanced Cell Therapy Research Institute, Singapore (ACTRIS) and the Regenerative Medicine Institute of Singapore (REMEDIS), and closely coordinates efforts with other national and international stakeholders to establish Singapore as the regional hub of CTGT.

OUR SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

Cell Therapy Administration

• Personalised and holistic care experience for patients undertaking cell therapy
• Patient support groups, in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, for patients to share their journey with others and receive emotional and moral support

Research & Development

• Development of cell-therapy-related studies from pre-clinical to clinical study execution

Expertise in regulatory aspects and operations pertaining to cell therapies

• Close relationship with ACTRIS' Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) team to help with Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) requirements and process development in related studies
• FACT-JACIE-accredited Apheresis Collection Facility on-site

GPs who would like to find out more, please contact the SingHealth Duke-NUS Cell Therapy Centre:

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.singhealth.com.sg/cell-therapy-centre

OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Head
Prof William Hwang
Medical Director, NCCS;
Senior Consultant,
Division of Medical Oncology, NCCS,
Dept of Haematology, SGH

Deputy Head
Prof Jodhbir Singh Mehta
Head & Senior Consultant,
Dept of Cornea & External Eye Disease, SNEC

Deputy Head & Principal Lead, Education
Asst Prof Francesca Lorraine Lim
Consultant,
Dept of Haematology, SGH

Principal Lead, Regenerative Medicine
Prof Teh Bin Tean
Deputy Medical Director (Research), NCCS

Principal Lead, Cellular Immunotherapy
Assoc Prof Toh Han Chong
Deputy Medical Director (Strategic Partnerships);
Senior Consultant,
Division of Medical Oncology, NCCS

Principal Lead, Quality & Regulatory
Clin Assoc Prof Aloysius Ho
Senior Consultant,
Dept of Haematology, SGH

Campus Site Chief @CGH
Dr Vincent Tay Khwee Soon
Associate Consultant,
Dept of Surgery, CGH

Campus Site Chief @KKH
Dr Soh Shui Yen
Head & Senior Consultant,
Haematology/Oncology Service, KKH

Campus Site Chief @SKH
Asst Prof Wong Keng Lin, Francis
Consultant,
Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, SKH