Research
Lymphoma is a very complex disease with many different subtypes. Our research focuses mainly on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, especially the T and NK cell lymphoma which are more prevalent in Asia. Besides understanding the disease through the use of various types of sequencing methodologies, we have also developed patient derived xenograft (PDX) models which are highly relevant to clinical drug testing and development. The available PDXs is further coupled with humanized mouse model for relevant testing of immune related drugs. This capability allows us to further verify our discoveries at the genomic level, generating preclinical data and bringing the studies towards clinical trials. We are also in a good position to partner with pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to develop drugs and biomarkers respectively. Using genomic approaches, we have discovered novel therapeutic targets in Natural Killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) and Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL)1,2,3, which allow us to develop novel drugs against the disease4. Recently, we have also discovered novel biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in NKTCL which will allow us to better select patients for this class of drugs5. In partnership with Lucence Diagnostics, we have successfully developed clinical grade assay for the detection of these biomarkers in our patients. We have also improved the accuracy of diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma with the eventual aim of improving treatment6,7. Using a germline approach, we have also successfully gained further insights into the pathobiology of these aggressive diseases8,9. Through various approaches, we will continue to understand this group of diseases and improve their clinical outcome10,11.