Associate Professor Tan Ern Yu
Cancer Databases & Tissue Banks Platform Lead
Affiliations
Cancer Databases & Tissue Banks Platform Lead, Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium
Head of Service (Breast & Endocrine Surgery), Senior Consultant, Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Profile
Associate Professor Tan Ern Yu is a senior consultant and breast surgeon at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). She is also the Director of Clinical Research, Head of the Breast Service, and Director of the Breast Clinic. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy studies at the University of Oxford in 2005.
Dr Tan is actively engaged in research focused on translatable clinical outcomes. Her extensive research endeavors have involved collaborations with various esteemed local and international institutes such as the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) where she has a joint appointment, as well as the Genome Institute of Singapore, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, National Cancer Center Tokyo, Cleveland Clinic, and several other international units through the Singapore Breast Cancer Working Group.
Dr Tan’s primary research interest lies in biomarker discovery, with a focus on blood-based DNA and microRNA markers that could serve as potential cancer markers. One notable collaboration involves working with IMCB and Indivumed to establish the world’s pioneering Asian-centric multi-omics database. Complementing her research pursuits, she actively explores advancements in breast imaging alongside breast radiologists. These collaborative efforts aim to optimize the use of breast imaging in diagnosing and managing various breast conditions. Notably, they are engaged in ongoing projects centered around contrast-enhanced spectral mammography and the development and training of artificial intelligence algorithms for mammography and breast ultrasound. These initiatives are conducted in partnership with industry experts. Dr. Tan is enthusiastic about expanding these research endeavors to support the broader research community in her capacity as the Director of Clinical Research at TTSH. She is leading the efforts to set up data and imaging platforms to facilitate efficient data extraction, archiving and sharing through the TTSH Central Biobank to support research involving clinical samples.
Dr. Tan is also involved in mentorship programs to foster local research talent, while also providing support for investigator-initiated studies.
Selected Publications
Deep learning applied to breast imaging classification and segmentation with human expert intervention. R Wilding, VM Sheraton, Soto L, Chotai N, Tan EY . Journal of Ultrasound. 2022 Jan; doi: 10.1007/s40477-021-00642-3
Majority of flat epithelial atypia diagnosed on biopsy do not require surgical excision. Chan MYP, Chotai N, Lai ES, Sin PY, Chen JC, Lu QS, Goh MH, Chong BK, Ho BC, Tan EY . The Breast. 2017 Oct 14; 37:13-17.
Correlation of Preoperative Axillary Lymph Node Status to Final Histology After Axillary Surgery for Breast Cancer. Tang ELS, Chotai N, Chong BK, Sin PY, Lee SYS, Chan MYP, Chen JJC, Goh MH and Tan EY. Journal of Clinical and Medical Images. 2020 Dec 14; 5(4):1-8.
Role of mammogram and ultrasound imaging in predicting breast cancer subtypes in screening and symptomatic patients. Ian TWM, Tan EY , Chotai N. World J Clin Oncol. 2021 Sep 24;12(9):808-822. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i9.808. PMID: 34631444; PMCID: PMC8479344.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammogram : A New Game-Changer in Breast Imaging. Indications with Case-based experience. Chotai N, Loke SC, Tan EY . Advances in Breast Cancer Research 2021; 10:184-199.
Can Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) Reduce Benign Breast Biopsy? A Ling, H MY Lim, E CM Fok, Siu CL, Tan EY , Chong BK, Lee YS, Chan Patrick, N Chotai. The Breast Journal. 2022 March; doi: 10.1155/2022/7087408
Chromosome 1q21.3 amplification is a trackable biomarker and actionable target for breast cancer recurrence. Goh JY, Feng M, Wang W, Oguz G, Yatim SMJM, Lee PL, Bao Y, Lim TH, Wang P, Tam WL, Kodahl AR, Lyng MB, Sarma S, Lin SY, Lezhava A, Yap YS, Lim AST, Hoon DSB, Ditzel HJ, Lee SC, Tan EY, Yu Q. Nat Med. 2017 Nov;23(11):1319-1330.
IRAK1 is a therapeutic target that drives breast cancer metastasis and resistance to paclitaxel. Wee ZN, Yatim SM, Kohlbauer VK, Feng M, Goh JY, Yi B, Lee PL, Zhang S, Wang PP, Lim E, Tam WL, Cai Y, Ditzel HJ, Hoon DS, Tan EY , Yu Q.