Gastrointestinal-stromal-tumour Cancer
Treatment in Malaysia

At Onco Life Centre, our team takes a personalized approach to treating gastrointestinal stromal tumour 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.

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Understanding Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

GISTs are different from more common types of GI tumors, like colon cancer or stomach cancer, because of the type of tissue in which they start. GISTs belong to a group of cancers called soft-tissue sarcomas. Soft-tissue sarcomas develop in the tissues that support and connect the body, including fat cells, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, and lymph vessels.

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 recommendations by our cancer specialists at Onco Life Centre for gastrointestinal stromal tumour cancer treatment are tailored and personalized, depending on tumor stage, tumor genomics (KIT, PDFGRA, NTRK1-3 fusion, BRAFV600E, NTRK fusion, SDH, and RAF), pre-existing medical conditions, your overall health, and nutritional status.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy is the foundation of precision medicine. Our Oncologists at Onco Life Centre work in close collaboration with Cancer Genomics Experts in the US to perform cancer gene mapping and DNA sequencing on our patients’ cancer tissue. Regular teleconferencing and live exchange of information with the US Genomics Experts allows our Oncologists to specifically design unique treatment plans for our patients. By targeting specific genes and proteins that are involved in driving cancer survival and progression, our patients at Onco Life Centre are experiencing significant and sustained improvements in their cancer responses and living longer.

At Onco Life Centre, we have made it our mission to improve the everyday lives of our patients. Our Oncologists and Pharmacists will seek to identify Compassionate Drug Access Programs that allows pre-approved new drugs outside clinical trials (and prior to product launch) for our patients who do not have satisfactory therapy options available.

Surgery

For people with a localized GIST, surgery is the standard treatment and should be performed whenever possible. If the GIST cannot be completely removed by surgery, such as if it has spread somewhere else, it often cannot be cured.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells. To find the most effective treatment, our oncologist will run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are drugs that target specific proteins called kinases that contribute to the tumor’s growth and survival. TKIs are often used to treat GIST. TKIs that target both exon 9 mutation in KIT and angiogenesis have been approved by the FDA to treat inoperable GISTs. TKI that target tumors with a mutation in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDFGRA) exon18 gene has also been approved by the FDA to treat metastatic GISTs.

A small percentage of sarcomas, less than 1%, have a mutation in other genes that can be targeted with approved therapies. Such uncommon actionable mutations can occur in BRAFV600E mutation, NTRK fusion, SDH and RAF mutations.

Please click here to learn more about Targeted Therapy.

Radiation treatment

Before surgery, radiation can be used along with chemo to try to shrink some tumors to make surgery easier. After surgery, radiation can be used to kill very small areas of cancer that cannot be seen and removed during surgery. Radiation, especially when combined with chemotherapy (chemo), might delay or prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery and may help people to live longer. Radiation can also be used to slow the growth and ease symptoms.

Treatment By Stage

In general, stages 0, 1, 2 and 3 colorectal cancer are often curable with surgery. However, many patients with stage 3 colorectal cancer, and some with stage 2, receive chemotherapy after surgery to increase the chance of eliminating the disease. Patients with stage 2 and 3 rectal cancer will also receive radiation therapy with chemotherapy either before or after surgery.

Stage 0 colorectal cancer

The usual treatment is a polypectomy, or removal of a polyp, during a colonoscopy.

Stage 1 colorectal cancer

The usual treatment is a polypectomy, or removal of a polyp, during a colonoscopy.

Stage 2 colorectal cancer

Surgery is often the first treatment. Patients with stage 2 colorectal cancer can talk to our oncologists at Onco Life Centre about whether adjuvant chemotherapy is needed after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. For patients with stage 2 rectal cancer, radiation therapy is usually given in combination with chemotherapy, either before or after surgery.

Stage 3 colorectal cancer

Treatment for stage 3 colon cancer usually involves surgical removal of the tumor followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. For patients with rectal cancer, radiation therapy may be used along with chemotherapy before or after surgery, along with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Metastatic (stage 4) colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer can spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, the tissue called the peritoneum that lines the abdomen, or a woman’s ovaries. Our oncologists at Onco Life Centre will help you tailor your treatment plan, which may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. If the colorectal cancer has spread only to the liver (colorectal cancer liver metastasis) and if surgery is possible either before or after chemotherapy, there is a chance of complete cure. Even when curing the cancer is not possible, surgery may add months or even years to a person’s life. Determining who can benefit from surgery for cancer that has spread to the liver is often a complicated process that involves doctors of multiple specialties working together to plan the best treatment option. The role of immunotherapy for advanced colon cancer treatment has been promising. Using immuntherapy in patients with mismatch-repair-deficient mutations or microsatellite instability in their tumors has shown remarkable results. An immunue-checkpoint inhibitor can be used on its own, or in combination with CTLA4 inhibitor for such patients.

Transparency You Can Trust

At Onco Life Centre, we understand the financial burden associated with Gastrointestinal-stromal-tumour Cancer Treatment in Malaysia and GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors) treatment. We are committed to transparency and will provide you with a personalized cost estimate during your initial consultation. Here is an estimate:

Targeted Therapy:

Adding in Targeted Therapy can go up to MYR9,000, depending on the specific type of targeted therapy drug used.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can range from MYR10,000 and above depending on the specific type and dosage of immunotherapy drugs used.

Symptoms of GIST

Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
A mass in the abdomen that you can feel with your hand
Bowel obstruction
Nausea and vomiting
Vomiting blood
Blood in the stool

Diagnosis of GIST

Computed tomography (CT) scan.
Endoscopy/endoscopic ultrasound.
Endoscopy allows the doctor to see the inside of the stomach or large bowel. A special type of test called a capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small camera. The endoscopic ultrasound is used to find out if the tumor has grown into the wall of the gut, how deep the tumor has grown, and whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Biomarker testing of the tumor.
Our Oncologist will recommend running laboratory tests on a tumor sample to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. The 2 most common affected genes in GIST are called KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA). Researchers are finding more mutations thought to cause GIST such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), BRAF and NTRK. The results of biomarker testing may help your doctor make treatment recommendations.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

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.