ESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology (Sep 2025)

Advancing breast cancer research through real-world data from the Singapore Joint Breast Cancer Registry

  • F.Y. Wong,
  • B.J.G. Chua,
  • R. Dent,
  • M. Hartman,
  • G.H. Lim,
  • S.Z. Lim,
  • S.H. Lim,
  • J.M. Li,
  • J.Y.Y. Ngeow,
  • W.S. Ong,
  • P. Nitar,
  • M. Preetha,
  • Y.R. Sim,
  • E.Y. Tan,
  • H.Q. Tan,
  • T.J. Tan,
  • B.K-T. Tan,
  • Q.T. Tan,
  • S.Y. Tan,
  • S-M. Tan,
  • V.K.M. Tan,
  • R.Y.C Tan,
  • M. Wong,
  • Y-S. Yap,
  • R.M.C. Yeo,
  • W.S. Yong,
  • Syed Salahuddin Ahmed,
  • Veronica Siton Alcantara,
  • Sok Yuen Beh,
  • Johan Chan,
  • Junjie Jack Chan,
  • Wen Yee Chay,
  • Chee Leong Cheng,
  • Ming Long Melvin Chew,
  • Sui Tjien Lita Chew,
  • Jun Hua Chong,
  • Eu Tiong Chua,
  • Gail Wan Ying Chua,
  • Hui Wen Chua,
  • See Hooi Ewe,
  • Eric Finkelstein,
  • Wai Yee Rose Fok,
  • Mihir Gudi,
  • Julie Liana Bte Hamzah,
  • Jun Xian Hing,
  • Shihan Bryan Ho,
  • Hwee Lin Wee,
  • Amit Jain,
  • Iqbal Jabed,
  • Wee Yao Koh,
  • Si-Lin Koo,
  • Xin Yi Clara Anne Kwan,
  • Chee Meng Lee,
  • Han Yi Lee,
  • Hui Ting Stefanie Lee,
  • Jie Xin Joycelyn Lee,
  • Su Xin Ghislaine Lee,
  • Chee Hao Lester Leong,
  • Qi Hui Faith Leong,
  • Faye Lim,
  • Hsuen Elaine Lim,
  • Li Hoon Lim,
  • Sheng Hao Joshua Lim,
  • Jun Ma,
  • Hanis Mariyah Binte Mohd Ishak,
  • Wen Long Nei,
  • Chee Chin David Ng,
  • Choon Ta Ng,
  • Raymond Ng,
  • Wee Loon Ng,
  • Sabrina Ngaserin,
  • Siyan Jinnie Pang,
  • Shuxian Sharon Poh,
  • Vivianne Shih,
  • Sim Pei Yin Dayna,
  • Rachel Sim,
  • Boon Fei Tan,
  • Kuan Rui Lloyd Tan,
  • Ngiap Chuan Tan,
  • Puay Hoon Tan,
  • Ser Huey Janice Tan,
  • Ying Ching Tan,
  • Yongcheng Benjamin Tan,
  • Zhi Chien Joshua Tan,
  • Kwang Yong Timothy Tay,
  • Wei Ling Teo,
  • Min Li Tey,
  • Ru Xin Wong,
  • Su Lin Jill Wong,
  • Zhiyan Yan,
  • Shi-Hui Christina Yang,
  • Khung Keong Yeo,
  • Poh Sheng Joe Yeong,
  • Ling Fung Nelson Yit,
  • Zewen Zhang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmorw.2025.100159
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9
p. 100159

Abstract

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Background: The Joint Breast Cancer Registry (JBCR) was established to collect comprehensive real-world data on patients with breast cancer treated across multiple institutions in Singapore. We present an overview of the registry, its structure, processes, and research findings. Patients and methods: JBCR includes all breast cancer patients aged ≥21 years old, treated in Singapore from 1980 onwards. Information on patient demographics, tumour characteristics, treatment, toxicity, and clinical outcomes is collected. We integrate data collection into clinical workflows, use automation, such as text-mining, and implement quality control processes to improve the accuracy and completeness of the registry. We further describe data security and governance processes that safeguard patients’ privacy and allow for data sharing for research purposes. Results: A diverse cohort of over 35 000 patients have been enrolled in the registry from participating institutions across Singapore. The median age at diagnosis is 54 years with a median follow-up time of 7.6 years. About a quarter of the 8883 deaths were attributed to breast cancer. Analyses of JBCR data have revealed findings such as the impact of tumour subtypes on survival, disparities in treatment responses, and the novel role of radiomics in predicting chemotherapy response. We have also identified significant ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Conclusion: By leveraging real-world data, JBCR provides insights into the treatment trends and long-term outcomes of breast cancer in Singapore. We provide value to various stakeholders in clinical care, research, and policy-making. Future initiatives seek to address current limitations, including expanding the collection of genetic and molecular data, increasing patient-reported quality-of-life measures, and enhancing international collaborations.

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