30 Oct 2010
DOCTORS in Singapore aim to shed new light on a possible link between a rare type of cancerous tumour and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
They will give those with such symptoms a blood test as part of a pilot study by the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The aim is to determine the likelihood of the presence of neuroendocrine tumours in people with such symptoms.
Blood samples will be tested for Chromogranin A (CgA), a protein released into the bloodstream by the tumour cells. The tumours originate from the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system, which helps regulate and maintain various body functions.
The hormones secreted irritate the gut, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea and intermittent abdominal pain. These symptoms are easily mistaken for IBS – a chronic condition of the digestive system characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort. This can make it hard to detect the cancer at the early stage.
Said Dr Wang Yu Tien, an associate consultant at SGH’s department of gastroenterology and hepatology: “Neuroendocrine tumours are rare, slow-growing cancers, often diagnosed only at an advanced stage.”
The tumours can lie dormant for up to nine years before symptoms start to show. By that time, cancer cells could have spread to other parts of the body.
A United States study published in 2005 found the number of people with the tumours rose from two in 100,000 to five in 100,000 over 30 years.
“By determining if there is a correlation between increased CgA levels and the existence of the tumours, it will bring us closer to diagnosing the cancer earlier, before it’s too late,” said Dr Lim Hwee Yong, an associate consultant at NCCS’ medical oncology department.
SGH and NCCS are appealing to the public to take part in the study by visiting the Raffles City Convention Centre, Level 4, Collyer/Padang Ballroom, between 1pm and 5pm tomorrow.
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