Kidney Cancer
Treatment in Malaysia
At Onco Life Centre, our team takes a personalized approach to treating kidney cancer, focusing on kidney cancer treatment in Malaysia while also supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our patients every step of the way.
Understanding Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer begins when healthy cells in 1 or both kidneys change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a renal cortical tumor.
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
Our kidney cancer experts at Onco Life Centre can discuss your treatment options and recommendations based on several factors, including staging, the type, cell type, and stage of cancer, patient preferences and overall health.
Treatment for kidney cancer is most often with surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. Occasionally, radiation therapy and chemotherapy regimens for renal cell carcinoma are also used. Patients with kidney cancer that has spread (metastatic kidney cancer) often receive multiple lines of kidney cancer treatments.
If the cancer has not spread beyond the kidneys, surgery to remove the tumor, part or all of the kidney, and possibly nearby tissue and lymph nodes, may be the only treatment necessary. The types of surgery used for kidney cancer include the following procedures.
- Radical nephrectomy
Surgery to remove the tumor, the entire kidney, and surrounding tissue is called a radical nephrectomy. If nearby tissue and surrounding lymph nodes are also affected by the disease, a radical nephrectomy and lymph node dissection is performed. - Partial nephrectomy
A partial nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a tumor. This type of surgery preserves kidney function and lowers the risk of developing chronic kidney disease after surgery. - Laparoscopic and robotic surgery (minimally invasive surgery)
During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions rather than the 1 larger incision in the abdomen to completely remove the kidney or perform a partial nephrectomy. - Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Sometimes surgery is not recommended because of tumor characteristics or the patients overall health. RFA is the use of a needle inserted into the tumor to destroy the cancer with an electrical current. - Cryoablation
Cryoablation is the freezing of cancer cells with a metal probe inserted through a small incision. The metal probe is placed into the cancerous tissue.
Targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a treatment that 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.
- Anti-angiogenesis therapy
This type of treatment focuses 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 therapies is to starve the tumor. Talk to our kidney cancer specialists about FDA approved anti-angiogenesis drugs that have been shown to slow down tumor growth for people with metastatic renal carcinoma (stage 4 kidney cancer). - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
Clear cell kidney cancer has a mutation of the VHL gene that causes the cancer to make too much of a certain protein, known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF controls the formation of new blood vessels. Drugs called TKIs help block VEGF and other chemical signals that promote the development of new blood vessels. Please call to talk to our kidney cancer oncologists about FDA approved TKIs, which are indicated for use in treatment for clear cell kidney cancer. - mTOR inhibitors
The FDA has also approved drugs that target a certain protein that helps kidney cancer cells grow, called mTOR. Studies show that these drugs slow kidney cancer growth.
Please click here to learn more about Targeted Therapy.
Immunotherapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function.
A type of immunotherapy, called checkpoint inhibitors, works by taking the brakes off the immune system so it is better able to destroy the cancer. These drugs use antibodies directed at specific molecules found on the surface of immune cells, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4).
Please click here to learn more about Immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy for renal cell carcinoma is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by stopping the cancer cells ability to grow and divide.
Systemic chemotherapy for kidney cancer gets into the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Although chemotherapy is useful for treating most types of cancer, kidney cancer is often resistant to chemotherapy. However, researchers continue to study new drugs and new combinations of drugs.
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Most often, radiation therapy is used when the cancer has spread to help ease symptoms, such as bone pain or swelling in the brain. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy. When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. Another type of radiation therapy is stereotactic radiosurgery, which is designed to direct the radiation therapy to a specific area without damaging nearby tissue.
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 kidney cancer treatment in Malaysia. We are committed to transparency and will provide you with a personalized cost estimate during your initial consultation. Here is an estimate:
Targeted Therapy:
At Onco Life Centre, the cost for treating kidney cancer using targeted therapy for most of our patients is about MYR5,000 per cycle.
Immunotherapy
The cost of immunotherapy for kidney cancer can range from MYR10,000 and above depending on the specific type and dosage of immunotherapy drug used.
Types of kidney cancer
There are several types of kidney cancer:
Renal cell carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma (also commonly known as renal cancer or renal cell cancer) is the most common type of adult kidney cancer, making up about 85% of diagnoses.
Transitional cell carcinoma
This is also called urothelial carcinoma. It accounts for 10% to 15% of the kidney cancers diagnosed in adults.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma of the kidney is rare and develops from the soft tissue of the kidney or the capsule or surrounding fat.
Wilms tumor
This is most common in children and is treated differently than kidney cancer in adults.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is associated with enlarged lymph nodes in other parts of the body, including the neck, chest, and abdominal cavity. In rare cases, kidney lymphoma can appear as a lone tumor mass in the kidney and may include enlarged regional lymph nodes.
Types of kidney cancer cell
The most common types of kidney cancer cells are listed below:
Clear cell
About 70% of kidney cancers are made up of clear cells. Clear cells range from slow growing to fast growing. Clear cell kidney cancer is particularly responsive to immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Papillary
Papillary kidney cancer develops in 10% to 15% of patients.
Sarcomatoid features
Each of the tumor subtypes of clear cell, chromophobe, and papillary in kidney cancer can show highly disorganized features under the microscope, also described as sarcomatoid which suggest a very aggressive form of kidney cancer.
Medullary/collecting duct
This is a rare and highly aggressive cancer that is more common in black people and is highly associated with having the sickle cell trait.
Chromophobe
Chromophobe is uncommon and may form indolent tumors.
Oncocytoma
This is a slow-growing type of kidney cancer that rarely, if ever, spreads.
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.
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.
NSCLC (Non-small cell lung cancer)
2010 Breast and Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign (LEMBAH PANTAI)
2011 Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Community Project (GOMBAK AND SELAYANG)
2011 & 2012 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening and Treatment Community Project (SETAPAK)
2012 Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Community Project (LEMBAH SUBANG)
2014 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening and Treatment Community Project (CHERAS)
2015 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening and Treatment Project (HILIRAN AMPANG)
2016 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening and Treatment Project (DESA TUN RAZAK)
Credentials You Can Trust
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Onco Life Centre is fully licensed as an Oncology Consultation and Treatment Centre (License No: 931401-00214-03/2024)
DR. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE
CONSULTANT MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST (NSR: 131550)
MBBS (MELB), FELLOW RACP (AUS)
DR. JOSEPH KANIANTHRA JOSEPH
CONSULTANT MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST (NSR: 124660)
MBBCH, BAO (IRE), MRCP (UK)
Service Area
Onco Life Centre location
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