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ASIA-PACIFIC, 26 AUGUST 2021 – NCS today announced the launch of NCS NEXT Cloud Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Melbourne.
• Expands on NCS’ presence in Australia and aims to encourage innovation collaboration between Australia and Singapore
• Helps governments and enterprise leverage digital technologies to transform the way they operate and thrive in the digital economy
• Aims to grow local team to 1,500 and create 500 new digital jobs
ASIA-PACIFIC, 26 AUGUST 2021 – NCS today announced the launch of NCS NEXT Cloud Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Melbourne. The CoE will offer governments and enterprises greater support on accelerating their cloud initiatives. This is part of NCS’s regional expansion strategy into Australia, following the partnership with Optus Enterprise in December 2020 to bring integrated ICT and digital services to Australian clients across a wide range of industries and government sectors. The CoE will also facilitate expertise exchange and deepen collaboration between Singapore and Australia, helping both cities build up cloud expertise in a competitive talent market.
The setup of the CoE follows an earlier announcement made this year on the formation of NCS NEXT to help organisations leverage digital technologies to transform the way they operate. This would involve innovating and co-creating new applications, processes, and services with organisations to better service their end customers or stakeholders. NCS NEXT in Melbourne is part of the company’s NEXT Innovation Triangle which also includes nodes in Singapore and Shenzhen and draws on the unique strengths each city brings in terms of talent, clients, and innovation.
Andre Conti, Head of NEXT Solutions, Australia, said, “We have witnessed the increasing pace at which both public and commercial sectors in Australia are adopting a digital-first approach to transforming the way in which we live and work. Through the NCS NEXT Cloud CoE launch in Australia, Optus Enterprise and NCS can help Australian enterprises and government agencies leverage cloud-based innovations to unlock competitive advantages and enhance customer or citizen experiences. By tapping into NCS’ 40 years of experience in supporting the public sector in APAC and our strong partner ecosystem, NCS Australia will play an active role in nurturing and pushing the local ICT space forwards”.
Partnering Victoria to grow a tech ecosystem and develop talents
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed today at the Cloud CoE launch, with The State Government of Victoria represented by Invest Victoria as well as the Department of Treasury and Finance. This partnership leverages the CoE to promote innovation in cloud, reach new customers, drive talent development, and advance Victoria’s competitiveness in the technology sector.
With 80 per cent of Australian enterprises expected to shift to cloud-centric infrastructures and applications by the end of 2021, the launch of NCS NEXT Cloud CoE comes at an opportune time to help Australian organisations navigate the complex tech ecosystem and accelerate their cloud deployment.
Tim Pallas, Victorian Treasurer said, “Victoria is the tech capital of Australia and we’re so proud to welcome NCS to Melbourne, creating jobs and continuing our thriving reputation of innovation and excellence.”
To support the growth of the Cloud business in Australia, NCS is also committed to building the digital talent pool in Victoria, focusing on capabilities in innovation, artificial intelligence, 5G-enabled internet of things (IoT) applications, advanced analytics and cloud. NCS aims to grow the local team to 1,500 and create 500 new digital skilled jobs over the next few years to support the needs and aspirations of the Victorian and national ICT communities.
About NCS
NCS is a leading technology services firm with presence in Asia Pacific and partners with governments and enterprises to advance communities through technology. Combining the experience and expertise of its 10,000-strong team across 49 specialisations, NCS provides differentiated and end-to-end technology services to clients with its NEXT capabilities in digital, cloud and platforms, as well as core offerings in application, infrastructure, engineering and cybersecurity. NCS also believes in building a strong partner ecosystem with leading technology players, research institutions and start-ups to support open innovation and co-creation.
For more information, visit ncs.co.
Media Contacts
Adeline Sim
NCS
adeline.sim@ncs.com.sg
+65 9488 0889
Louise Lam
Ogilvy Singapore
louise.lam@ogilvy.com
+65 9739 9863


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The development of telehealth has revolutionised the healthcare system by facilitating the remote delivery of medical services and expanding access to care. In Singapore, telehealth has received a great deal of attention and recognition as a vital instrument for enhancing community care services.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been actively supporting and implementing telehealth initiatives, recognising the need for additional resources and efforts to make these changes a reality.
Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, stated at the AIC’s Community Care Work Plan Seminar that recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals is one of the greatest challenges facing the community care sector.
“The high-touch nature of the sector limits the extent to which digitalisation and productivity improvements can address the increasing demand,” Minister Ong said. To address this concern, the MOH is committed to providing funding support through the community care salary enhancement exercise, thereby ensuring that healthcare professionals receive competitive salaries.
Additionally, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is actively engaged in sectoral job redesign initiatives, transforming the workforce through improved task allocation, and increasing manpower across support care, nursing, and therapy.
Consistency of financial support is crucial in attaining care coordination across settings. To facilitate seamless access to healthcare financing, two initiatives have been implemented. Subvented home medical and nursing providers will be able to submit MediSave claims for homebound patients eligible for subsidies but unable to visit polyclinics or hospitals due to limited mobility beginning on 1 October 2023.
This modification allows patients to access MediSave for home medical and nursing care. In addition, the financial support for telehealth services will be gradually increased. From 1 July 2023, subsidies and MediSave will be available for teleconsultations for chronic disease management.
The community care sector requires additional resources to address diverse requirements, including recruitment of personnel, expansion of the work scope, promotion of volunteerism, and integrated services.
Additionally, the advent of digitalisation has made it possible to build the infrastructure and obtain the resources required for the successful implementation of telehealth.
It also provides the infrastructure and technologies essential for effective telehealth adoption; and assists healthcare practitioners in providing remote therapy, reaching patients in remote locations, and improving access to healthcare services while maintaining patient privacy and security.
For seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients, robust and dependable digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet connectivity and mobile networks, is required. These digital networks’ availability enables real-time audio and video consultations, data interchange, and remote monitoring.
Likewise, digitalisation allows for the production and maintenance of electronic health records (EHR), which hold medical information about patients in a digital format. EHRs make it easier for healthcare practitioners to share medical history, test results, and other relevant data, providing continuity of treatment in telehealth settings.
Wearable sensors, remote monitoring equipment, and home monitoring kits collect and send health data from patients to healthcare providers. This data digitisation enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, track symptoms, and spot potential health risks.
Telehealth-specific digital platforms and applications provide secure and convenient communication between healthcare providers and patients. Video consultations, chat systems, appointment scheduling, and connectivity with EHR systems are common elements of these platforms.
Further, the importance of data security and patient privacy in telehealth is highlighted by digitalisation. To protect patient information in telehealth transactions, robust cybersecurity safeguards, encryption procedures, and adherence to data protection rules are required.
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Members of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) have again demonstrated their excellence in transnational education with RMIT University’s AU$ 250 million commitment to Vietnam, providing further evidence of their leadership in this field.
The strategic investment in RMIT University’s Hanoi Industry and Innovation Hub, which received praise from the Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), exemplifies the significance of strong international partnerships such as the one with Vietnam.
The AU$ 250 million commitment, announced by the Prime Minister of Australia, highlights RMIT’s dedication to delivering high-quality Australian education to its Vietnam campus. The establishment of the innovation hub, led by the RMIT Vice-Chancellor and his team, will serve as a crucial gateway between the two countries, reinforcing the enduring friendship and cooperation in the region.
The substantial fund allocation will also be used for investments in education, research, partnerships, and campus infrastructure. As the foremost international university in Vietnam, RMIT’s contributions align with the nation’s social and economic objectives, emphasising its commitment to supporting the country’s growth and development.
Established in 2000, RMIT Vietnam was the first foreign-owned international university in the country. As part of its Country Commitment to Vietnam, RMIT aims to foster collaboration among the communities, government, and industries in Hanoi. This commitment focuses on key priorities such as smart and sustainable cities and emerging technologies, demonstrating RMIT’s dedication to supporting and advancing these important areas of development in Vietnam.
The transformative power of education extends to individuals, communities, and economies, according to the RMIT Vice-Chancellor. As the largest higher education institution in Australia operating within Vietnam, RMIT is proud of its role as a leading provider of international education in the country. Over the course of 23 years, RMIT has made significant contributions to Vietnam, reflecting its commitment to the nation’s progress and development.
The investment holds particular significance as it aligns with the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam. The commitment made by RMIT will serve as a crucial factor in advancing the objectives of the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy, which aims to double two-way investment between the two nations. This investment showcases RMIT’s dedication to fostering stronger economic ties and collaboration, contributing to the growth and prosperity of both Australia and Vietnam.
Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy
In August 2019, Vietnam and Australia reached an agreement to establish an Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy. The objective of this strategy is to strengthen their trade partnership and double two-way investment, aiming to become one of their top ten trade partners.
By enhancing trade and investment liberalisation, promoting economic connectivity, and capitalising on emerging market opportunities, the strategy reinforces the mutual commitment of both countries. In light of the economic challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of Vietnam and Australia have recognised the need to include an emphasis on economic recovery within the strategy.
RMIT University’s substantial investment in Vietnam’s education, research, partnerships, and infrastructure serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence and leadership in transnational education. This investment not only strengthens RMIT’s position as Vietnam’s leading international university but also aligns with the shared goals of Australia and Vietnam to enhance economic engagement and foster bilateral trade and investment.
As the two countries celebrate their 50th year of diplomatic relations, RMIT’s commitment will play a pivotal role in realising their ambitions of becoming top trade partners and doubling two-way investment. With a focus on economic recovery in the face of challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, RMIT’s investment stands as a symbol of resilience and collaboration, contributing to the social, economic, and technological advancement of both nations.
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Australia and Singapore have begun conversations regarding potential areas of collaboration in green and digital shipping, hence, a Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will be established by the end of 2025.
This development is consistent with the Green Shipping Cooperation initiative outlined in the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, which was signed in October 2022 by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, and Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell.
This collaboration is being led by Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRDCA) and Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), a Statutory Board under Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (MOT).
These agencies are collaborating closely with port operators, appropriate governments, and marine and energy value chain players on both sides of the Atlantic to galvanise action to decarbonise and digitise the shipping industry. DITRDCA and MPA intend to begin by identifying areas of common interest and partnership to minimise carbon emissions in the maritime industry through coordinated initiatives.
This includes developing low- and zero-carbon fuel supply chains, as well as greening port services and shipping operations to speed the development and adoption of green marine fuel sources. Collaboration would also entail the discovery of digital shipping solutions to promote effective port calls and the flow of products, as well as paperless handling between the ports of Australia and Singapore, all of which would assure system interoperability.
Given Australia and Singapore’s extensive cross-border trade, this collaboration is an important step towards determining how both partners can take a worldwide leadership position in streamlining their shipping routes to test and trial green and digital solutions. This highlights the critical role of international cooperation in decarbonising shipping and the maritime economy.
Collaboration supports environmental sustainability by embracing green shipping practices such as using cleaner fuels, optimising routes, and decreasing emissions, lessening the industry’s impact on climate change and maritime ecosystems.
Digital technology provides for more efficient fleet management, route optimisation, and real-time monitoring, leading to fuel savings, lower operational expenses, and increased profitability for shipping businesses.
Digital solutions improve overall efficiency in areas such as logistics, supply chain management, and cargo handling by streamlining operations, automating procedures, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Collaboration in digital and green shipping makes it possible to use advanced safety measures like remote monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, and better cybersecurity procedures to protect assets, crew, and cargo.
Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Singapore and Australia are very important in making the area a place of stability and growth. To stop international rules from falling apart and regional blocs from forming, it is important to keep and improve multilateralism.
He also said that both countries can keep a rules-based system by taking an active role in making global digital trading rules and norms for international trade.
Australia and Singapore have a lot of strategic trust in each other, so their projects can be used as models for wider regional cooperation. By making deals about the digital and green economies and setting new rules for trade in these areas, they can go beyond bilateral agreements and help the whole region.
The collaboration helps bring about stability and growth, which is good for Asia’s future. Singapore and Australia can help keep the region stable and growing while staying true to their shared values and interests if they work together and take an active role.
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ANSTO has collaborated with scientists from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in studying a promising proton conductor for advanced ceramic fuel cells. Recently published in Communication Materials, a research team led by Prof Masatomo Yashima highlighted the exceptional properties of a newly discovered hexagonal perovskite-related oxide called Ba2LuAlO5.
The material exhibited remarkably high proton conductivity without requiring any additional chemical alterations. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to uncover the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon. These valuable insights could potentially lead to the development of safer and more efficient energy technologies.
Prof Max Avdeev, the Neutron diffraction group manager at ANSTO’s Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering and a co-author of the paper, explained that proton conductors are being considered as an alternative to oxide fuel cells for next-generation fuel cells.
The research team at Tokyo Tech, with whom ANSTO has a longstanding collaboration, successfully discovered and characterised a promising new material. To gain insights into the proton transport mechanism and enhance the material’s conductivity, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using ANSTO’s computing cluster. This knowledge is crucial for further improvements and the development of new compositions in this field.
Scientists worldwide are actively engaged in the development of energy technologies that are environmentally friendly, safe, and highly efficient. Fuel cells have emerged as a particularly promising solution for generating electricity directly through electrochemical reactions, garnering attention since the 1960s.
Nevertheless, conventional fuel cells based on solid oxides suffer from a significant drawback: they require high operating temperatures, typically exceeding 700 °C. In contrast, protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) utilise specialised ceramics capable of conducting protons instead of oxide anions. This distinctive feature allows PCFCs to operate at substantially lower temperatures, typically ranging from 300 to 600 °C.
However, the current knowledge base includes only a limited number of proton-conducting materials that exhibit reasonable performance.
During their research, the team specifically investigated compounds with a significant number of intrinsic oxygen vacancies when they made the discovery of the new conductor. Through experimental analysis of samples, they observed that this material exhibited remarkable proton conductivity within its bulk at low temperatures, without requiring additional chemical modifications like doping.
By employing molecular dynamics simulations and conducting neutron diffraction measurements, the researchers determined that the oxide had a substantial capacity to absorb water due to its abundant intrinsic oxygen vacancies. The higher water content played a crucial role in enhancing the material’s proton conductivity through various mechanisms.
The electricity market is undergoing a crucial transition, with renewable and clean energy technologies becoming increasingly vital. Australia recognises the significance of innovation in clean energy technology to sustain economic prosperity and contribute to global emission reduction efforts.
The Australian Government is actively supporting clean energy innovation in research, development, demonstration, and deployment. As a participant in Mission Innovation, a global initiative for advancing clean energy technology breakthroughs, Australia is leading the development of a ‘mission’ focused on clean hydrogen. This mission aims to lower hydrogen production and usage costs throughout supply chains.
In addition, the government has invested AU$ 1.4 billion in the development of reliable renewable generation and storage solutions. This investment encompasses various initiatives, including support for the advanced expansion of the Snowy Hydro scheme.
Moreover, funds have been allocated to the construction of the Marinus Link, which is the second interconnector across the Bass Strait. This interconnector is crucial for transforming Tasmania’s ambitious Battery of the Nation vision into a tangible reality.
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Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint (DCB), which establishes the orientation for Singapore’s digital connectivity’s next frontier.
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) partnered with a cloud computing company to launch a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), a first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and appointed 18 high-potential tech professionals as SG Digital Leaders under the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator.
The Blueprint was created in collaboration with the Advisory Panel on Digital Infrastructure, which is co-chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and other industry partners. It outlines strategic priorities and moves into new frontiers to stay ahead of the curve.
Reports cited that Singapore will continue to invest ahead of demand and plan holistically for the whole digital infrastructure stack, including hard infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and soft infrastructure, to guarantee that the digital infrastructure is future-ready.
The nation is committed to staying ahead of the competition by expanding digital connectivity to provide better lifestyles and new opportunities for people and businesses. Hence, Singapore will increase its focus on the following strategic priorities:
- Provide enough capacity for underwater cable landings to double in the next ten years.
- Within the next five years, build seamless end-to-end 10 Gbps domestic connectivity.
- Ensure digital infrastructure has world-class resilience and security.
- Create a roadmap for the expansion of new Green Data Centres and push the sustainability envelope.
- Increase the use of the Singapore Digital Utility Stack to broaden the benefits of smooth digital transactions.
Also, Singapore will make movements in more fledgling and frontier areas to capitalise on future opportunities:
- Push for a Quantum-safe Singapore within the next ten years.
- Lay the groundwork for widespread autonomy.
- “Green software” to reduce heightened computing by establishing a nascent ecosystem for sustainable software.
- Use Low Earth Orbit satellite services to enable creative solutions in critical industries.
The Blueprint lays a solid foundation for Singapore to achieve better opportunities, stronger trust, and empowered communities.
In addition, Tan Kiat How, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, met with the 18 Singaporeans designated as SG Digital Leaders from 16 companies. This is part of IMDA’s initiatives to develop Singaporean leaders in the ICT ecosystem for leadership roles in the digital economy.
The SG Digital Leaders are founders of high-growth tech start-ups, executives at large corporations (MNCs), and inventors creating world-changing technology. These executives come from a variety of backgrounds, lead regional teams, and have experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data, software, and engineering.
The JIC will provide exclusive access to the latest tech showcases and demonstrations, innovation methodology for successful adoption and deployment, and workshops for design thinking, among other things, to inspire corporates and public sector organisations to accelerate industry innovation and support the growth of promising start-ups.
Modern digital infrastructure is critical to Singapore’s growth and prosperity. Businesses and consumers may access information and services more easily with improved connections, boosting innovation and economic competitiveness.
Process automation and digitalisation increase efficiency and production while decreasing expenses while smart city solutions improve resource management and overall quality of life. A well-developed digital infrastructure ecosystem attracts investments and encourages digital economy growth.
Data-driven decision-making gives policymakers more authority. Singapore’s emphasis on contemporary digital infrastructure positions it as a digital age global leader prepared for long-term growth and development.
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CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific institution, has allocated AU$ 25 million until 2027 to establish an initiative known as Advanced Engineering Biology (AEB). This programme, part of CSIRO’s Future Science Platforms (FSP), focuses on leveraging the fundamental components of life to tackle complex and unsolvable challenges. AEB joins a suite of FSP projects dedicated to exploring and uncovering innovative scientific advancements in emerging fields.
The Director of CSIRO’s Advanced Engineering Biology (AEB) FSP emphasised the programme’s objective to merge engineering and biology to address a wide range of issues. These include environmental concerns, the transition to clean energy, ensuring food security, and enhancing human health.
He acknowledged that exploration into the vast potential of engineering biology has only just begun. The field is rapidly advancing, with much still to be discovered about the fundamental components of life and how they can be leveraged. The applications of engineering biology are diverse, encompassing improvements in carbon sequestration by plants, the production of sustainable alternatives to animal proteins, petroleum fuels, and harmful pesticides, as well as the development of biosensors capable of providing instant medical diagnoses.
The AEB programme will have a specific emphasis on advancing biomanufacturing capabilities and the development of underlying technologies that drive engineering biology. The aim is to enhance the speed, predictability, and performance of these processes.
Additionally, the programme will undertake comprehensive research to understand the expectations, attitudes, and perceptions of the public. This research will play a crucial role in ensuring the responsible and ethical development of biotechnology.
According to the Deputy Chief Scientist at CSIRO, Australia has the potential to become a global frontrunner in the rapidly growing biotechnology field. The Advanced Engineering Biology (AEB) FSP aims to unlock the transformative power of engineering biology, supporting the development of new industries, fostering circular economies, and delivering substantial societal and environmental benefits.
Over the next four years, the research conducted by the AEB FSP will intersect with other rapidly advancing fields, including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration will enable synergistic advancements and enhance the overall impact of the programme’s research efforts.
About CSIRO’s Future Science Platform
CSIRO’s Future Science Platforms (FSPs) represent a strategic investment in scientific research that serves as the foundation for innovation. These initiatives possess the potential to revitalise existing industries and foster the creation of new sectors within Australia. By supporting the growth of a new generation of researchers, FSPs facilitate the attraction of top-tier students and experts who collaborate with CSIRO on future scientific endeavours.
The FSPs operate as multi-year and multi-disciplinary undertakings, uniting CSIRO, and its partners to tackle significant ideas and challenges. Since its establishment in 2017, the FSP Programme has seen several initiatives evolve over five to eight-year lifecycles.
Notably, four initial FSPs – Active Integrated Matter, Digiscape, Probing Biosystems, and Synthetic Biology – have reached maturity. The technologies and achievements stemming from these FSPs have been successfully transferred to both partners and CSIRO Business Units, fostering practical applications and commercialisation.
The Advanced Engineering Biology
Engineering biology holds immense transformative potential for Australia, but reaching its full benefits requires advancements in speed, affordability, and scalability. The Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform (AEB FSP) is dedicated to catalysing a significant leap in biotechnology development within Australia, with a focus on ensuring broad societal advantages.
The research conducted by the AEB FSP aims to tackle the obstacles hindering the realisation of engineering biology’s potential in delivering benefits across society, the environment and industry. By addressing these challenges, the programme strives to unlock the full potential of engineering biology and drive positive outcomes for Australia and beyond.
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Researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), and Duke-NUS Medical School have used artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the identification of vital biomarkers that can identify patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at diagnosis who will not respond to standard therapy.
These patients may be eligible for a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the early stages of the illness with this favourable prognosis.
A genetic mutation that causes a tyrosine kinase enzyme to turn on permanently causes CML, a specific type of blood cancer. In the bone marrow, a blood stem cell experiences a mutation that transforms it into an aggressive leukaemic cell that eventually takes over the creation of healthy blood.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which turn off the tyrosine kinase that the genetic mutation switched on as a result, are the standard treatment for CML. But not everyone reacts the same way to these medications. Some individuals respond very well to the point that their life expectancy would be regarded as typical, at the other end of the range.
Besides, some individuals do not respond at all, and their sickness develops into a severe condition known as a blast crisis that is resistant to all sorts of conventional therapy.
Finding out if a patient is resistant to TKI therapy earlier could make the difference between survival or early death because the only cure for blast crisis is a bone marrow transplant, which would be most successful when carried out during the early stages of the disease.
“Our work indicates that it will be possible to detect patients destined to undergo blast crisis when they first see their haematologist,” said the study’s senior author and associate professor, Ong Sin Tiong of Duke-NUS’ Cancer & Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) Programme.
He added this may save lives since bone marrow transplants for these patients are most effective during the early stages of CML.
Researchers made an “atlas” of cells by taking samples of bone marrow from six healthy people and 23 people with CML before they were treated. The map let them see the different types of cells in each sample and how many of each type there were. Researchers did RNA sequencing on a single cell and used machine-learning methods to figure out which genes and molecular processes were on and off in each cell.
The work found eight statistically important things about the bone marrow cells before treatment. These things were linked to either sensitivity to treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or strong resistance to it.
Patients were more likely to react well to treatment if their bone marrow samples showed a stronger tendency toward premature red blood cells and a certain type of “natural killer cell” that kills tumours. As the number of these cells in the bone marrow changed, so did the way the patient responded to treatment.
The study could lead to drug targets that could help people with chronic myeloid leukaemia avoid or delay treatment resistance and blast crisis.
Associate Professor Charles Chuah from Duke-NUS’s CSCB Programme, who is also a Senior Consultant at the Department of Haematology at SGH and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), cited that the results of treating chronic myeloid leukaemia have gotten much better over the years and that patients now have many options. Knowing which treatment works best for each patient will improve these results even more, and they are excited about the chance of doing so.
The team hopes to use the results to make a test that can be used regularly in hospitals to predict how well a treatment will work.