2 minute read
Introducing trials in Singapore and Hong Kong
While Icon’s doctors in Singapore have long been participating in clinical trials, these were operated using an outsource model.
With a global approach to cancer care, in 2021 Icon Group prioritised the evolution of research in Singapore and Hong Kong with the introduction of a dedicated clinical trials division including a new Director of Clinical Trials, Joanne Chio, to lead the ASEAN trials portfolio. Alongside experienced clinical research coordinators and dedicated oncologists, 2021 marked a year of establishing solid foundations to bring an in-depth level of trials to the region.
• In May 2021 an Icon Singapore Research Committee was established, chaired by Dr Hsieh Wen-Son and with committee members including Dr Tan Yew Oo,
Dr Karmen Wong, Dr Patricia Kho, Dr Lee Guek Eng,
Dr Robert Lim, Dr Daniel Chan and Dr LeLe Aung.
This committee has helped to enhance research collaboration across Icon sites and will continue to grow Icon’s regional reach across the ASEAN region, working closely with shared partners to continue to improve access to clinical trials. It will also increase collaboration with Icon’s mature research team in
Australia and leverage established industry partners and seek international opportunities
• Added two new trial sites in Singapore. Icon Cancer
Centre Farrer Park has been designated as trial headquarters with two new satellite sites established at Icon Cancer Centre Gleneagles and Mount Alvernia
HIGHLIGHTS
• Launched ten clinical trials across the span of nine months, including Icon’s first paediatric oncology trial (Y-mAbs 203) and the first in the private sector for neuroblastoma. Principal Investigator: Dr LeLe Aung
• Grew from one to five Principal Investigators, totalling 67% of Singapore doctors participating in clinical trials as either Principal Investigators or Co-Investigators
• Set-up foundations for an extensive trial portfolio in
Hong Kong. Partnered with BioAtla who have selected
Icon Cancer Centre Hong Kong as a site to conduct a leading immunotherapy lung cancer trial
DR HSIEH WEN-SON
BSc, MD, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology (USA), Diplomate Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology ABIM (USA)
Dr Hsieh has a research interest in molecularly targeted cancer therapies, immunotherapy and molecular diagnostics. He has established a number of international studies involving centres in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Myanmar and the United States, examining novel treatments and novel diagnostic tests for lymphoma and nasopharyngeal and hepatocellular carcinoma. He has authored over 80 scientific articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and has been Principal Investigator of more than 30 completed or ongoing clinical trials investigating novel treatments for a variety of cancers.
JOANNE CHIO
Director of Clinical Trials, ASEAN
Joanne brings over 10 years’ experience in the management and delivery of clinical trials programs within the public and pharmaceutical sectors, with an in-depth knowledge of the local oncology research landscape. In her previous public appointment, she successfully grew the organisation’s trials portfolio with a strong focus on the development of Phase I oncology clinical trials. Her team managed over 250 trials and led several first-in-class early drug studies. She has a strong interest in the delivery of effective educational solutions, enhancing data solutions and building partnerships to deliver robust clinical trials programs.
Connect on LinkedIn
