Date: Saturday, 15th June 2024, 11:25-11:50 HKT

Topic 5: Clinical and Translational Research Platforms for Sarcomas
Speaker: Dr. Valerie Shiwen YANG, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore

Abstract:
In this talk, we provide an overview of our research efforts in sarcoma across Singapore. This includes the generation of patient-derived models, the use of cutting edge technologies and the full integration end-to-end of individual patient data to uncover accurate clinical and research biomarkers, as well as therapeutics in primary and in drug-resistant sarcomas. We will focus particularly on an example of how real world data was used to construct a predictive model of individual patient response to various treatment interventions in rare head and neck sarcomas. This can potentially aid treating clinicians in their management approach of this challenging disease.

Application of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Based on Histological Subtype in Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Speaker: Dr. Eisuke KOBAYASHI, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan

Abstract:
In recent years, the molecular genetic mechanisms of bone and soft tissue tumors have been gradually revealed. As a result, opportunities have arisen for chemotherapies that are tailored to the genetic abnormalities and mutations of each histologic subtype of sarcoma. These chemotherapies are expected to serve not only as chemotherapy for advanced cases but also as neoadjuvant chemotherapy to facilitate surgery. In this lecture, I will present cases with an intermediate malignant or malignant bone and soft tissue tumor who were successfully treated with histology-tailored neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, based on molecular biological findings.

Novel systemic therapeutic strategies for (even) rarer sarcomas
Speaker : Dr. Tom Wei-wu CHEN, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan

Abstract:
Systemic cytotoxic agents remain the cornerstone of soft tissue sarcoma(STS) tr eatment. However, the advent of molecularly guided therapies marks a new era in STS management. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, characterized by the pathognomonic COL1A1::PDGFB fusion gene, responds well to imatinib, which inhibits the PDGF-PDGFR signaling axis. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors exhibit distinct gene fusions with ALK, ROS1, and NTRK, and their respective targeted therapies demonstrated successful outcomes. Epithelioid sarcoma, defined by the loss of INI-1/SMARCB1 protein, shows sensitivity to the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat in advanced stage patients. Additionally, the aberrant activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) has been addressed through mTOR inhibitors like sirolimus and everolimus. The AMPECT study further substantiates the efficacy of nab-sirolimus, a nanoparticle, albumin-bound, intravenously administered sirolimus, providing excellent outcomes for malignant PEComa patients. This lecture will delve into these molecularly targeted approaches, highlighting their clinical implications and integration into contemporary STS treatment paradigms

The Future of Radiotherapy in Soft-tissue Sarcomas: Dose Modulation, Hypofractionation, Flash Protons and More
Speaker: Prof. Rick HAAS, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Abstract: 
Although the role of radiotherapy (RT) for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is well established in both ESMO and NCCN clinical practice guidelines, for any patient, they leave much room for more personalized considerations . As a rule, 1.8-2 Gy fractions are advised, preferably in the preoperative setting, to an equivalent dose of 50 Gy in 5 weeks.
In this presentation, a dose reduction for myxoid liposarcomas, first clinical experiences with hypofractionation, the consequences of refraining from any radiotherapy and the value of radiosensitizers are discussed.

Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Kevin FUNG

Dr. Kevin FUNG is an Associate Consultant in the Department of Radiology at Hong Kong Children's Hospital. He is the lead of Interventional Radiology team at HKCH, with special interest in vascular access, oncological interventions and lymphatic imaging and interventions. Being active in both local and international IR communities, he is the Honorary Secretary of Hong...

Dr. Judy HUNG

Dr. Judy HUNG graduated from Trinity College, University of Dublin in 2009 and became a fellow in Paediatric Surgery in Hong Kong in 2018. She completed her overseas training in Paediatric Urology in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark in 2019. Currently she is an Associate consultant in the Department...

Dr. Lu XIE

Dr. Lu XIE Education: 2003-2011 Peking University Doctor of Clinical Medicine (8-year doctoral program); 2007 Gil hospital of Gachon University  South Korea  Exchange Program; 2016 Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Clinical Visitor. Work: 2011-2016 Musculoskeletal Tumor Center of Peking University People's Hospital Residency; 2016-2020 Musculoskeletal Tumor Center of Peking University People's Hospital Attending; 2020-now Musculoskeletal Tumor...

Prof. Rick HAAS

Prof. Rick Haas has been trained as a radiation-oncologist in the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI-AvL) from 1992 until 1997, where he remained as a staff member ever since. Between 2002 and 2015 he was responsible for the training of radiotherapy residents at the NKI-AvL. He has the privilege of also occupying a research position at...

Dr. Eisuke KOBAYASHI

Dr. Eisuke KOBAYASHI serves as Head of Musculoskeletal Oncology at the National Cancer Center Hospital. As Head of Medical Staff, Dr. Kobayashi divides his time between practicing medicine (surgery and chemotherapy) and overseeing the Department. He has been involved in translational research aiming to develop new treatment strategies for sarcomas. Prior to his current position,...

Dr. Valerie Shiwen YANG

Assistant Professor Valerie YANG is a Medical Oncology Consultant at the Department of Lymphoma and Sarcoma of the National Cancer Centre Singapore. She is jointly appointed at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, where she leads the Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory. She is a National Science Scholar, graduand of the MB/PhD program at the...

Dr. Tom Wei-Wu CHEN

Tom Wei-Wu Chen, MD
Attending physician
Department of Oncology
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan

Dr. Tom W. Chen is currently an attending physician at the Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) in Taipei, Taiwan. Dr. Chen received internal medicine training followed by a fellowship course as a medical oncologist in NTUH. Afterwards, he joined Drug Development Program (DDP) in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada as a clinical fellow to study early phase clinical trials with Dr. Lillian Siu and Dr. Phil Bedard. During his stay in Princess Margaret, he gained more experience with next-generation sequencing and precision medicine, as well as interest in sarcoma patients.

Dr. Maribel LACAMBRA

Dr. Maribel LACAMBRA is a Clinical Professional Consultant at the Dept of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her special interests lie in the fields of breast, bone and soft tissue, and molecular pathology. 

Dr. Calvin CHIU

Dr. Calvin CHIU is a specialist orthopaedic surgeon with interests in orthopaedic oncology and joint arthroplasty. He is an Associate Consultant of Orthopaedics & Traumatology at Prince of Wales Hospital and Hong Kong Children Hospital. He is also an Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He joined the Department of...