Singapore develops AI-powered model to predict risk of liver cancer recurrence

By VNA July 21, 2025 | 08:08 pm PT

Singaporean researchers have developed an artificial intelligence-powered scoring system capable of predicting the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, with approximately 82% accuracy.

The iconic Merlion with view of Singapore city in the background. Photo from Unsplash

According to a press release from the Singaporean Agency for Science, Technology and Research, scientists from the agency’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) in collaboration with the Singapore General Hospital developed the system, which works by analyzing the spatial distribution of natural killer immune cells and five key genes within liver tumor tissues.

Researchers validated the system using tissue samples from 231 patients across five hospitals. Further validation studies are scheduled to begin later this year.

In Singapore, up to 70% of liver cancer patients experience recurrence within five years, said Principal Investigator Joe Yeong from the IMCB, noting that the system empowers clinicians to intervene as early as possible.