Breast Cancer
Treatment in Malaysia

At Onco Life Centre, our team takes a personalized approach to treating breast cancer. 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.

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More women are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other cancer. Since 1990’s, the number of women who have died of breast cancer has steadily decreased thanks to early detection and treatment improvements. Even if it is advanced breast cancer, new treatments can help many people with advanced breast cancer maintain a good quality of life with good disease control.

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.

Treatment Methods

Treatment options and treatment plans for early breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer follow the recommendations by our breast cancer specialists at Onco Life Centre based on the global NCCN and FDA guidelines. The best way to treat breast cancer, or even to cure breast cancer, depends on several factors such as stage of the tumor, tumor’s subtype (ER, PR, HER2, PDL1 and PIK3CA gene mutation status), genomic markers, patient’s age, patient’s menopausal status, the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Along with staging investigations, other tools can help estimate prognosis and help our specialists make decisions about adjuvant therapy. Onco Life Centre arranges tumor profiling tests at renowned genomics and genetic laboratories in the USA and Europe, which can determine the most optimum type of treatment protocol with the maximum benefits.

Surgery for breast cancer

For both DCIS and early-stage breast cancer, surgery is recommended to remove the tumor. Women with a very high risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast may consider a bilateral mastectomy. This includes women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations and women with cancer in both breasts.

For larger cancers, or those with rapid growth, our oncologists at Onco Life Centre will recommend systemic treatment with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for breast cancer before surgery (neo-adjuvant therapy), which could result in breast conserving surgery if the tumor shrinks appreciably before surgery. Treatment given after surgery is called adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapies may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or hormonal therapy.

For recurrent and metastatic cancer, treatment options depend on how the cancer was first treated and tumor characteristics such as ER, PR, HER2, PDL1 and PIK3CA gene mutation.

Read more about breast cancer surgery.

Radiation therapy for breast cancer

The most common type of radiation treatment for breast cancer is called external-beam radiation therapy. Most commonly, radiation therapy is given after a lumpectomy, and following adjuvant chemotherapy if recommended. This helps lower the risk of cancer recurrence in the breast. In fact, with modern surgery and radiation therapy, recurrence rates in breast cancer are now less than 5%.

Adjuvant radiation therapy may also be recommended for some women after a mastectomy, depending on the age of the patient, tumor size, the number of positive lymph nodes, ER, PR, and HER2 status.

There are three categories of systemic therapy used for breast cancer, namely, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy.

Chemotherapy for breast cancer

Chemotherapy is a common and effective treatment option for many types and stages of breast cancer.

Chemotherapy can be used to treat Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3 and Stage 4 breast cancer. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells by stopping the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a large tumor (neo-adjuvant chemotherapy). It may also be given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence (adjuvant chemotherapy). Chemotherapy is also given for metastatic breast cancer. There are many different types of chemotherapy schedules. Research has shown that combinations of certain drugs are sometimes more effective than single drugs for adjuvant treatment. The number of chemotherapy cycles will depend on the chosen treatment protocol.

Read more about chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Hormonal therapy for breast cancer

Hormonal therapy is an effective treatment for ER and PR expressing tumors in both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Blocking the hormones can help prevent a cancer recurrence and death from breast cancer when used for early-stage disease. Hormone therapy for breast cancer shrinks the cancer and improves cancer-related symptoms in metastatic breast cancer.

Options for adjuvant hormonal therapy for premenopausal women include five or more years of a certain class of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drug and switch to an AI after menopause begins. Ovarian suppression for 5 years along with SERM or an AI may be recommended in women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at a very young age or in women with a high risk of cancer recurrence.

Options for hormonal therapy used in metastatic breast cancer include SERM, ovarian suppression and AIs. A selective estrogen receptive degrader (SERD) drug may work better when combined with CDK4/6 inhibitor, an AI or PI3K inhibitor for PIK3CA gene mutated breast cancer.

Targeted therapy for breast cancer

Targeted therapy for breast cancer targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. Anti HER2 monoclonal antibody treatment is approved for both adjuvant therapy and advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. A combination of two different types of monoclonal antibody and chemotherapy improves the treatment effectiveness, and lengthen lives in the first-line setting. Additionally, there are other second-line approved anti HER2 options available for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer after failure of first-line treatment.

A new drug has been recently FDA approved for breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer that has a PIK3CA gene mutation. You may ask more about this new drug during consultation with our oncologists.

Drugs that target the CDK4/6 protein are approved for women with ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer and may be combined with AI.

PARP inhibitors, which destroy cancer cells by preventing them from fixing damage, may be used for patients with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer and a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

Please click here to learn more about Targeted Therapy.

Read more about how targeted therapy works for breast cancer

Immunotherapy for breast cancer

Immunotherapy for breast cancer is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a combination of Immune checkpoint inhibitor and a plus-protein-bound chemotherapy drug for advanced PD-L1 expressing triple-negative breast cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are also approved by the FDA to treat metastatic breast cancer with a molecular alteration called microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR).

Please click to learn more about Immunotherapy.

Read more about immunotherapy for breast cancer.

Osteoclast targeted therapy for breast cancer (drugs that block bone destruction)

Bisphosphonates are drugs that block the cells that destroy bone, called osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates can be used for bone metastasis. Research suggests that it may reduce breast cancer recurrences, particularly in bone, when given in postmenopausal women.

There is another osteoclast-targeted therapy called a RANK ligand inhibitor, may be better than bisphosphonates at controlling the symptoms of bone metastases.

Treatment By Stage

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 Breast 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

At Onco Life Centre, the cost for treating breast cancer using chemotherapy for most of our patients range from MYR4,000 to MYR 6,000 per cycle.

Targeted Therapy

Using Targeted Therapy can range from MYR4,000 and above, depending on the specific type of targeted therapy drug used.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can range from MYR8,000 and above depending on the specific type and dosage of immunotherapy drugs used.

Your Journey

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.