World · Singapore Bureau
Singapore researchers pursue novel cancer therapy targeting abdominal fluid
A team of local scientists is developing a targeted treatment aimed at the fluid surrounding abdominal organs that may fuel cancer growth. Researchers anticipate launching human clinical trials within five years.
LSN Singapore ·

Singapore-based researchers are making progress on an innovative therapeutic approach designed to address ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity that can support cancer progression. The treatment strategy focuses on disrupting the biological mechanisms through which this fluid environment facilitates tumour growth and metastasis.
The scientific team expressed confidence in their developmental timeline, indicating that preliminary human trials could commence within approximately five years. This projection reflects the current stage of preclinical research and the pathway typically required for regulatory approval before human testing can begin.
Targeting ascites represents a significant opportunity in oncology, as the fluid accumulation is associated with several aggressive cancer types and contributes substantially to patient morbidity. By developing a treatment that directly addresses this microenvironment, researchers aim to complement existing therapeutic approaches and potentially improve outcomes for affected patients.
The initiative underscores Singapore's ongoing commitment to cancer research and drug development, positioning the nation as a centre for innovative biomedical solutions in the region.