Singapore's National Cancer Center (NCC) will launch research on rhabdomyosarcoma, the fourth most common childhood cancer, according to Channel NewsAsia report on Monday night.

The Children's Cancer Foundation of Singapore and the Ministry of Health will each contribute 3 million Singapore dollars (about 1.8 million U.S. dollars) to the five-year project, which is reported to be the first in Southeast Asia.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a kind of tumor that develops from muscle or fibrous tissue. It is most commonly found around the head and neck, the bladder or the testes of a child.

Patients may have obstructions and discharges from their noses or throats, swollen eyes, discomfort in the abdomen, blood in the urine or excretory problems.

As the cause of rhabdomyosarcoma remains unknown, researchers at NCC expect that their efforts will help them better understand the development of the tumor and identify suitable drugs.

About 10 rhabdomyosarcoma patients are found in Singapore annually.

Source: Xinhua