Multi-cancer Early Detection (MCED) Blood Testing for Cancer Screening in Asia
Dr. Tan Min Han

Asia is facing a cancer tsunami in the next 30 years, with its aging population and lifestyle changes. Over 8 million new cancer cases occur in Asia annually, with the majority presenting in late stage. 78%, of cancer-related deaths occur in cancers that lack effective screening methods. Compliance with traditional screening methods like mammograms are low, and availability of screening resources are limited. There is a need for accurate, accessible, and affordable approaches for earlier cancer detection, when it is most treatable. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests are now commercially available and are recommended to be used in addition to traditional screening methods to address the gaps described above. The U.S. Cancer Moonshot program by President Joseph Biden has highlighted such MCED tests as a potential pillar to achieve earlier detection and to halve cancer mortality over the next 25 years. This talk will discuss the development of an Asia-based MCED test to address the upcoming cancer challenges in Asia.

Clonal Hematopoiesis: Unveiling the Link to Ageing, Cancer, and General Health 
Dr. Lim Zi Yi

Clonal hematopoiesis is most commonly associated with somatic mutations in genes involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis. 

While clonal hematopoiesis itself is not considered cancer, it is increasingly recognized as a precursor to the development of hematologic malignancies, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

Through the analysis of large-scale genetic studies, researchers have discovered that clonal hematopoiesis is prevalent in the ageing population and is associated with an elevated risk of developing hematological malignancies, such as leukemia, as well as cardiovascular diseases. 

The talk will address the broader implications of clonal hematopoiesis for general health. Emerging evidence suggests that clonal hematopoiesis may impact not only cancer and cardiovascular diseases but also inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Through this talk, we hope that doctors will gain valuable knowledge about the intricate interplay between clonal hematopoiesis, ageing, cancer, and general health.

Novel Cancer Therapies - Do I Have the Heart for It? A Cardio-Oncology Perspective
Dr. Gerard Leong

Oncology therapies have undergone vast innovative improvements recently. There are many novel therapeutics. These novel therapies have greatly increased the chances of cancer survival, even in advanced
cancer stages. Unfortunately, these novel therapies has cardiac side effects.

Dr. Leong will take an over-view of cardio-oncology perspective on the novel cancer therapies. This will include the cardiac side effects of the novel therapies, and surveillance strategies and management strategies.

Surgical Treatment of Gynaecological Cancers Today
Dr. Timothy Lim

The surgical management of gynaecological cancers has slowly evolved over the past decade and minimally invasive surgery has gained traction as a standard of care particularly for endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. Another important development is the adoption of sentinel lymph node mapping for surgical staging of early endometrial cancers in the past 6 years as well as fertility sparing surgery for the young patient. For ovarian cancer, advances include minimally invasive surgery in selected cases and maximal cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. 

Radiation Therapy - The LightSaber of Modern Cancer Treatment
Dr. David Tan

Managed Healthcare - How to Practice Cutting Edge Medicine in the Era of Cancer Drug List (CDL) Restrictions  
Dr. John Chia

The new Cancer Drug List implemented by MOH in Sept 2022, is profoundly altering the landscape of cancer treatment decisions and insurance reimbursements today.  This talk seeks to explain to a medical audience what the Cancer Drug List is, how it operates, and what it means for doctors practicing under a managed care environment.  The talk argues for access to affordable healthcare as a public good and stabilizing force for society, and the dilemmas encountered by doctors attempting to provide the best care for an individual, in an increasingly tight, regulated environment. 

Panel Q&A
Moderated by Dr. Robert Lim