Brain Cancer
Treatment in Malaysia

At Onco Life Centre, our team takes a personalized approach to Brain Cancer treatment in Malaysia. We focus not only on treating the disease, but also on supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our patients every step of the way.

Understanding the Brain’s Key Functions

The brain is made up of 3 main parts:

Cerebrum is divided into 4 lobes with specific functions:
- Frontal lobe controls reasoning, emotions, problem solving, speech and movement.
- Parietal lobe controls the sensations of touch, speech, visual-spatial orientation and calculation.
- Temporal lobe controls memory, hearing, and the ability to understand spoken or written words.
- Occipital lobe controls vision.
Cerebellum is located at the back part of the brain and is responsible for coordination and balance.
Brain stem controls involuntary functions like the heart beat and breathing. Messages from the cerebrum and cerebellum travel through the brain stem to the body.

Why Choose Onco Life Centre?

Expertise You Can Trust, Innovation You Can Count On

Over 20 Years of
Experience

Our highly-qualified consultant oncologists boast extensive experience treating a vast array of cancers. Their training at prestigious institutions in Australia and the UK ensures exceptional expertise that you can trust.

Collaboration with
Leading Genomics Experts

For complex cases, our oncologists collaborate with leading genomics specialists in the US. This ensures access to the latest treatments for all cancer types.

Unmatched
patient experience

You and your healthcare experience are at the centre of what we do at Onco Life Centre. Our core values of Empathy, Dedication, Professionalism and Service Quality have driven us since our earliest days.

Brain Cancer Treatment Methods

Targeted therapy for brain cancer

In addition to standard chemotherapy, targeted therapy targets the tumor’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to a tumor’s growth and survival.

To find the most effective treatment, our brain cancer specialist will run tumor profiling tests to identify the genes and proteins in your tumor.

For a brain cancer, there are 2 types of targeted therapy that may be used:

Anti-angiogenesis therapy is used to treat glioblastoma multiforme, newly diagnosed brain cancer with IDH mutation or when previous treatment has not worked. Anti-angiogenesis therapy is focused on stopping angiogenesis, which is the process of making new blood vessels. Because a tumor needs the nutrients delivered by blood vessels to grow and spread, the goal of anti-angiogenesis therapy is to “starve” the tumor.
NTRK inhibitor focuses on a specific genetic change called an NTRK fusion. These drugs are approved to treat metastatic brain cancer or some brain tumors that cannot be removed with surgery and have worsened with other treatments.

A variety of other targeted therapies are being studied in brain cancer that contain other specific molecular changes, such as IDH mutations, BRAF mutations, and FGFR fusions.

Please click here to learn more about Targeted Therapy.

Surgery for brain cancer

Surgery is the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue during an operation. It is often the only treatment needed for a low-grade brain tumor. Removing the tumor can improve neurological symptoms; provide tissue for diagnosis and genetic analysis.

Radiation therapy for brain cancer

External-beam radiation therapy can be directed at a brain tumor in the following ways:

Conventional radiation therapy.

3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a type of 3D-CRT (see above) that can more directly target a tumor. It can deliver higher doses of radiation to the tumor while giving less to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Proton therapy. Proton therapy is a type of external-beam radiation therapy that uses protons rather than x-rays.
Stereotactic radiosurgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery is the use of a single, high dose of radiation given directly to the tumor and not healthy tissue. It works best for a tumor that is only in 1 area of the brain and certain noncancerous tumors. It can also be used when a person has more than 1 metastatic brain tumor.

Immunotherapy for brain cancer

Immunotherapy for brain cancer utilises an individual’s own immune system to help kill off the cancer cells. There are currently several FDA-approved immunotherapy options for brain cancer. Immunotherapy is now a promising option in treating brain cancer.

Please click here to learn more about Immunotherapy.

Treatment By Brain Tumor Type

Guiding Your Personalized Treatment Journey

Oligodendroglioma

For people with grade II or III oligodendroglioma with a 1p/19q co-deletion and an IDH genetic mutation, ASCO recommends radiation therapy in combination with the chemotherapy drugs, which together are called PCV.

Astrocytoma

ASCO recommends that people with grade II astrocytoma with an IDH genetic mutation and no 1p/19q co-deletion be offered radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy with either oral chemotherapy or PCV. People with grade III astrocytoma with an IDH genetic mutation and no 1p/19q co-deletion should be offered radiation therapy followed by oral chemotherapy or both of these treatments given at the same time. Likewise, people with grade IV astrocytoma with an IDH genetic mutation may be offered radiation therapy followed by oral chemotherapy or both of these treatments given at the same time. Some astrocytomas without an IDH mutation may be treated the same way as grade 4 glioblastoma that also does not have an IDH mutation.

Glioblastoma

For most people with newly diagnosed grade IV glioblastoma or a grade II or III astrocytoma and no IDH genetic mutation, ASCO recommends treatment with radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy given at the same time. After this treatment, 6 months of oral chemotherapy is recommended.

Transparency You Can Trust

At Onco Life Centre, we understand the financial burden associated with Brain Cancer treatment. We are committed to transparency and will provide you with a personalized cost estimate during your initial consultation. Here is an estimate:

Chemotherapy

the cost for treating brain cancer using chemotherapy for most of our patients is around MYR500 to MYR1,000 per cycle

Targeted Therapy

The cost of brain cancer targeted therapy is from MYR4,000.

Immunotherapy

Average cost of immunotherapy can range from MYR10,000 depending on the specific type and dosage of immunotherapy drug used.

Primary brain tumors

Primary brain cancer that starts in the brain is often described as low or high grade. A higher grade is usually more aggressive and more likely to grow quickly. Primary brain tumors are divided into glioma and non-glioma tumor types.

Gliomas arise from brain glial cells and can be categorized as astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, or ependymoma. Non-glioma tumors arise from non-glial cells and can be categorised as meningioma, pineal and pituitary gland tumours, primary CNS lymphomas, medulloblastoma, craniopharyngioma and schwannoma.

Secondary brain tumors

Secondary brain cancer or brain metastases are more common than primary tumors. Secondary brain cancers originate from another part of the body such as the breast, lung, kidney, colon, skin and spreads to the brain.

If cancer spreads to the meninges and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it is called leptomeningeal metastases.

Symptoms

Headaches
Seizures
Personality or memory changes
Nausea or vomiting
Drowsiness
Changes in ability to perform daily activities
Loss of balance and difficulty with fine motor skills
Changes in judgment, speech, comprehension, hearing and emotional state
Partial or complete loss of vision, altered sensation and power on one side of body
Difficulty swallowing, facial weakness or numbness

How Brain Cancer Is Diagnosed

Imaging tests can determine if the tumor is a primary or secondary brain tumor.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The MRI may be of the brain and/or spinal cord, depending on the likelihood that it will spread in the CNS.

Tissue sampling/biopsy of tumor: A sample of the tumor’s tissue is usually needed to make a final and definitive diagnosis.

CT scan: A CT scan identifies bleeding and enlargement of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain, called ventricles. Changes to bone in the skull as well as tumor size can also be seen on a CT scan.

Positron emission tomography (PET): A PET scan is used at first to find out more about a tumor while a patient is receiving treatment. It may also be used if the tumor comes back after treatment.

Biomarker testing of the tumor: This may also be called molecular testing of the tumor. Results of these tests will determine your treatment options.

– For oligodendroglioma, a 1p/19q co-deletion is linked to more successful treatment, particularly with chemotherapy.

– Mutation in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene, is found in about 70% to 80% of low-grade gliomas and is linked with a better prognosis in both low-grade and high-grade tumors.

– In glioblastoma, mutation in methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) gene is linked to prognosis and how well treatment will work.

Start Your Recovery

Our dedicated Patient Navigator will assist you with appointment scheduling. Contact us at +6012-3993260 (Call or Whatsapp ).

First Consultation

On appointment day, bring along all the medical reports and your identity documents, ie. identity card or passport. Our team will help you organize the medical reports for our oncologist to review. Our oncologist will discuss the treatment plan with you. Tele-consult is available for overseas patients.

Treatment Day

Come to our center on an agreed date and time for the treatment. Our team will take good care of you. You will be discharged on the same day. Yes, you will get to go home after every treatment visit as no overnight admission is required.

Stay on Track

Our dedicated patient navigator will be following up with you post treatment to check on your condition, to ensure that you are doing well. You will receive a reminder message on your phone for the next appointment date.

Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze

Consultant Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
MBBS (Melb) FRACP (Aus)

Monday - Friday : 08:00 AM TO 06:00 PM

Saturday : 08:00 AM TO 02:00 PM

D. Joseph K. Joseph

Consultant Medical Oncologist
MBBCH, BAO (IRE) MRCP (UK)

Wednesday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Friday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Advocacy Programs

Dr. Christina Ng Represents Onco Life Centre at ESMO 2025

Hello, I’m Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Medical Director at Onco Life Centre, as well as the Founder President of Empowered The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about advancing personalized cancer treatment, strengthening community advocacy, and expanding access to high-quality care for patients across Malaysia.

Attending the ESMO Congress 2025 in Berlin was both inspiring and energizing. Representing Onco Life Centre, our dedicated medical centre in Malaysia, I stood among global leaders committed to shaping the future of oncology. This year’s congress was filled with remarkable scientific breakthroughs, thoughtful discussions, and a renewed sense of purpose as we work toward better outcomes and better lives for our patients.

A Global Gathering Focused on Precision Cancer Care

ESMO 2025 brought together thousands of clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world. What made this year particularly exciting was the strong emphasis on precision medicine, from cancer genetics and molecular profiling to advanced imaging and AI-powered diagnostic tools. These advancements are aligning closely with the work we do at Onco Life Centre, where patient individuality and tumor biology guide our treatment decisions.

Throughout the congress, many experts highlighted the importance of understanding each patient’s tumor in greater depth. Whether through genomic sequencing, circulating tumor DNA, or radiomic analyses, the oncology community is moving firmly toward personalized strategies. As someone who has long championed individualized care, I found these sessions especially meaningful.

Key Scientific Sessions That Inspired Me

One of the standout presentations was the evERA BC trial, a major study evaluating the combination of giredestrant, an oral SERD, with an mTOR inhibitor drug in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The results showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival, especially in tumors driven by ESR1 mutations. For patients who have progressed on CDK4/6 inhibitors, this combination may become an essential addition to our treatment toolbox.

This study also supports a larger movement within oncology—creating thoughtful, layered treatment plans that address resistance pathways and extend the time patients can remain on endocrine-based therapies. It’s a direction that can profoundly benefit Malaysian women, many of whom are diagnosed at younger ages or have aggressive tumor profiles.

Insights from the thoracic oncology sessions were equally impactful. Advances in lung cancer, including AI-driven pathology models, updated ALK-targeted treatment strategies, and ctDNA-guided therapy adjustments, reminded me just how quickly this field is evolving. Given the increasing prevalence of lung cancer in Malaysia, especially among non-smokers and women, these developments hold tremendous value for our community.

The Role of AI in Transforming Clinical Practice

One major theme across the congress was the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical decision-making. Researchers demonstrated how AI models can analyze pathology slides, radiology images, and genomic data to predict which patients are more likely to respond to immunotherapy or targeted treatment. These tools help us avoid ineffective therapies and guide patients toward options with the most tremendous potential.

At Onco Life Centre, we have been exploring the use of digital technologies to streamline assessments and enhance patient monitoring. Seeing the global oncology community embrace these tools assures me that we are moving in the right direction. I hope that AI will continue to improve early detection, refine treatment selection, and ultimately support better survival outcomes for Malaysian patients.

Representing Onco Life Centre on the International Stage

Representing Onco Life Centre at an event of this scale was a true honor. Our centre has always focused on delivering holistic, science-driven care, and it was wonderful to share our experiences with colleagues from around the world. I had meaningful conversations about challenges related to access to molecular testing globally, variability in treatment availability, and the need for stronger psycho-oncology support systems.

These interactions not only validated the work we do but also highlighted areas where we can continue to grow. Bringing international insights back to Malaysia ensures that our patients benefit from the same cutting-edge thinking shaping care in Europe, America, and beyond.

Bringing ESMO Insights Home to Malaysia

Returning from Berlin, I feel a renewed commitment to integrating the latest research into our daily practice. In the coming months, we aim to:

Enhance our use of molecular profiling for breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers
Expand ctDNA testing where appropriate to guide treatment decisions
Strengthen multidisciplinary discussions for complex cases
Continue investing in supportive care and psycho-oncology services
Provide patients and families with clearer, more personalized education about treatment choices

As a clinician, I believe that every advancement, no matter how technical, must ultimately translate into compassionate, human-centered care. This balance of science and empathy remains at the core of our mission.

A Future of Hope and Collaboration

ESMO 2025 reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: oncology is advancing rapidly, but meaningful progress relies on collaboration, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to patient care. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to represent Onco Life Centre on this global platform. Being part of these critical conversations strengthens our mission to raise the standard of oncology in Malaysia. It ensures our patients benefit from the latest, most effective innovations in cancer care.

Moving forward, we will continue engaging with global partners, conducting meaningful advocacy through Empowered, and ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of personalized treatment.

Together, we can build a future where every individual facing cancer feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Onco Life Centre Wins 2025 Best Oncology Clinic in Malaysia

We are proud to share that Onco Life Centre has been named the Oncology Clinic and Treatment Centre of the Year in Malaysia at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held in Bangkok.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge cancer care to our patients. The award reflects not just our clinical excellence, but our dedication to safety, community outreach, and innovation in oncology services.

The GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards celebrate leading healthcare institutions across the region. Winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as:

Excellence and Innovation: Transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through progressive medical practices.
Patient Safety: Upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environments.
Community Involvement: Actively engaging in public awareness, screening programs, and care for underprivileged communities.
Technology Adoption: Integrating advanced diagnostics, therapies, and digital tools to enhance every aspect of care.
Impact and Measurable Results: Demonstrating tangible improvements in cancer detection, treatment success, and patient well-being.
Adaptability and Preparedness: Being resilient and forward-thinking in the face of global health challenges.
Leadership and Vision: Cultivating a culture that prioritizes empathy, innovation, and ongoing education.

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar in oncology care—not only through medical advancements but by remaining deeply rooted in our advocacy mission: to serve, educate, and empower every cancer patient, especially those most in need.

We dedicate this achievement to our patients, survivors, caregivers, and the entire Onco Life Centre community. Your courage fuels our purpose. Together, we will continue the fight—because every life matters.