PROJECT ASPIRE
Revolutionizing Biomarker Discovery Through the Lens of a Single Cell Spatial Atlas of Asian Cancers
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Project ASPIRE (Asian Single-cell Spatial Atlas for Cancer Research) is a multi-institutional collaboration led by the Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore, focusing on four Asian-centric cancers of unmet clinical need. The molecular landscape of these cancers remain largely unknown and the deep dive will present a unique opportunity for scientific discovery and clinical insights.
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Breast Cancers in Asia account for nearly half the global disease burden and are characterised by early tumour onset and higher occurences in younger women. Asian breast cancers has also been found to be biologically different from Caucasian populations.
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T and T/NK-Cell Lymphomas, a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system, are dominant in East Asian populations4 and patients unfortunately have few treatment options beyond standard chemotherapy. Research into the cancer is also limited due to the lack of major programs globally.
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Bile Duct Cancers or Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are rare and aggressive cancers with a growing global incidence over the past years, especially in Asia. It has also been shown that CCAs are linked to carcinogens found in herbal medicines commonly used in Chinese communities.
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Rare Cancers unique to the Asian population collectively account for 25% of all cancer types. The neglect of rare cancers has led to poor diagnostic precision, lack of therapeutic strategies and ultimately poor survival outcomes.
Launched in Q4 of 2025, the research outcomes will discover new ways to diagnose these cancers, predict patient outcomes, and identify treatment options. Additionally, the findings will be shared online portal for free public access to enable further research, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement with researchers and doctors worldwide, positioning Singapore as a leader in cancer research and innovation.​
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Media coverage:
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https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20250625-6967671​​​​​​​​​​​​
