SINGAPORE RESEARCHERS DEVELOP AI TOOL TO PREDICT LIVER CANCER RECURRENCE

Dr Joe Yeong, Principal Investigator at A*STAR IMCB, with copies of Nature featuring the TIMES study on the cover. The study presents an AI-powered scoring system to predict liver cancer recurrence more accurately and earlier, offering new hope for timely intervention. (Photo: The Straits Times / Brian Teo).

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The TIMES score, featured on the cover of Nature, can help identify patients at risk months earlier, offering hope for improved treatment and survival rates.

SINGAPORE — Scientists from A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR IMCB) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH) developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered scoring system capable of predicting the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Named the Tumour Immune Microenvironment Spatial (TIMES) score, this study was recently featured as the cover article in the scientific journal Nature—a recognition that underscores the global significance and impact of the research.

The TIMES score analyses the precise spatial distribution of immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells and five specific genes within liver tumour tissues. By identifying these spatial patterns, TIMES predicts recurrence risk with approximately 82% accuracy, outperforming existing staging methods. This means doctors can pinpoint patients likely to experience a recurrence soon after surgery, allowing for earlier and more targeted treatment.

Dr Joe Yeong, Principal Investigator at A*STAR IMCB and Principal Investigator, Department Anatomical Pathology, SGH, noted, “In Singapore, up to 70% of liver cancer patients experience recurrence within five years. TIMES offers a significant advancement in predicting these outcomes, enabling clinicians to intervene at the earliest possible stage. This can significantly enhance patient care and improve survival outcomes.” Dr Yeong also holds the position of Director of ImmunoPathology, SingHealth Duke-NUS Pathology Academic Clinical Programme.

Ms Denise Goh, Senior Research Officer at A*STAR IMCB and co-first author of the study, added, “The TIMES scoring system transforms routine tissue slides into powerful predictive tools. By identifying patients at higher risk of relapse, we can proactively alter treatment strategies and monitoring, potentially saving more lives.”

The researchers validated the TIMES system using samples from 231 patients across five hospitals. They have now made the technology accessible through a free web portal for research use, with plans underway to integrate TIMES into routine clinical workflows.

The team is planning further validation studies at SGH and the National Cancer Centre Singapore, scheduled to commence later this year. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with diagnostic partners to develop TIMES into a clinically approved diagnostic test kit.

About the study: “Spatial immune scoring system predicts hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence.”
Nature 640, 1031–1041 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08668-x

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SINGAPORE RESEARCHERS DEVELOP AI TOOL TO PREDICT LIVER CANCER RECURRENCE

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