Pathology plays a vital role in modern medicine, providing the foundation for diagnosing diseases, guiding treatments, and advancing medical research. Behind every breakthrough in patient care is the work of dedicated pathologists whose expertise helps shape the future of healthcare. In July 2024, Professor Tony Lim, Senior Consultant and Chairman of the Division of Pathology at Singapore General Hospital, was conferred the Kathy Goh Professorship in Pathology.
Actively involved in molecular genetics, personalised medicine and the study of solid tumours, Prof Lim has contributed significantly towards bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice by integrating molecular biology techniques with traditional approaches in pathology. He was also instrumental in leading the Anatomical Molecular Laboratory in the translation of the Somatic Solid Tumour Panel Next Generation Sequencing assay from research to clinical use, enabling targeted treatment to improve patient outcomes.
His passion for pathology stems from its crucial role in patient care, particularly in cancer diagnostics. "The diagnosis that pathology provides to clinicians is instrumental in treatment and management, especially for cancer patients," Prof Lim explains. "There was a case where an ulcer in the colon looked clinically malignant. However, with the help of accurate pathological diagnosis, it helped verify that it was a treatable parasitic infection instead. This led to a swifter patient recovery."
With the establishment of this professorship, Prof Lim has brought together a dedicated team of pathologists and scientists to investigate various aspects of breast cancer. Their research aims to uncover critical pathways and develop targeted treatment approaches, potentially revolutionising breast cancer care.
Modern medical science, particularly the study of genes and DNA, is changing how we treat cancer. While traditional methods of examining tissues under microscopes remain important, new technologies for detailed imaging and identifying specific proteins in cancer cells have greatly improved both diagnosis and treatment options. For breast cancer patients, these advances mean treatments can be better matched to each person's specific type of cancer.
Prof Lim emphasises that despite decades of established methodologies in histopathology, technological advances have significantly expanded their diagnostic toolkit. "Although our basic methods of examining tissues have remained similar for decades, we now have many more tools at our disposal," he notes. "We can now identify specific markers in breast cancer cells that help us choose the most effective drugs for each patient, making treatment more personalised."
The Kathy Goh Professorship is more than just an academic appointment. It embodies a shared vision for advancing breast cancer research and treatment. "It is a great honour to be able to share in the dream and have the resources of studying breast cancer in depth," Prof Lim reflects. "This opportunity not only provides essential resources but also serves to inspire a collaborative team of pathologists, clinicians, and scientists in their quest for new insights and treatments."
The Kathy Goh Professorship in Pathology was established with a generous donation from the family of the late Kathy Goh, who passed away from breast cancer. To find out more about the Kathy Goh Professorship in Pathology, please click here.
