Lung Cancer
Treatment in Malaysia

At Onco Life Centre, our team takes a personalized approach to treating Lung 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 Lung Cancer: Types, Causes, and Treatability

Lung cancer is a top cancer killer in the world. Lung cancer is always treatable, no matter the size, location, and how far it has spread. Although cigarette smoking is the main cause, anyone can develop lung cancer.

The 2 main classifications of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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 lung cancer 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

Talk to our highly experienced lung cancer oncologists at Onco Life Centre about your Lung Cancer Treatment options. Treatment recommendations by our lung cancer specialists at Onco Life Centre are tailored and personalized according to the latest NCCN and FDA guidelines. Lung cancer treatment options also depend on the type and stage of lung cancer, genetic changes in the tumor, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. The landscape of drug treatment in NSCLC has evolved immensely over the last 5 years.

Surgery for lung cancer

The goal of surgery is complete removal of the lung tumor and the nearby lymph nodes in the chest.

The types of surgery used for NSCLC include lobectomy, wedge resection, segmentectomy and pneumonectomy.

Adjuvant therapy for lung cancer

Adjuvant chemotherapy for non small cell lung cancer is given after surgery to lower the risk of the lung cancer returning. It is intended to get rid of any lung cancer cells that may still be in the body after surgery.

Read more about Adjuvant therapy for lung cancer

Radiation therapy for lung cancer

The most common type of radiotherapy for lung cancer is called external-beam radiation therapy. A radiation therapy regimen usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. CT scans may be used to plan out exactly where to direct the radiation to lower the risk of damaging healthy parts of the body. This is called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Read more about Radiation therapy for lung cancer

Chemotherapy for lung cancer

Chemotherapy stops the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. Chemotherapy improves both the length and quality of life for people with lung cancer of all stages. Chemo for non small cell lung cancer is usually given through a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The type of lung cancer you have, such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, affects which drugs are used for chemotherapy. Side effects of new and modern drugs are well managed by our lung cancer specialists.

Read more about Chemotherapy for lung cancer

Targeted Therapy for lung cancer

Lung cancer targeted therapy targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. To find the most effective treatment, our oncologist may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor.

Anti-angiogenesis therapy is focused on stopping 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. You can find out more about these FDA approved anti-angiogenic drugs that are given along with chemotherapy for lung cancer at Onco Life Centre, during consultation with our oncologists.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors block EGFR to stop the growth of lung cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved at least two drugs for patients with locally advanced and metastatic non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Drugs that target other genetic changes in lung tumors may help stop the growth of NSCLC.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors. Mutations in the ALK gene are found in about 5% of patients with NSCLC.
Drugs that target changes in a gene called ROS1.
Drugs that target changes in a gene called NTRK fusion.

Please consult our oncologists about the use of such targeted agents that have enabled lung cancer to be treated in a personalized way.

Please click here to learn more about Targeted Therapy

Read more about Targeted Therapy for lung cancer

Immunotherapy for lung cancer

Immunotherapy is designed to boost your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. The PD-1 pathway is critical in the immune system’s ability to control cancer growth. PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies block this pathway and can stop the growth of NSCLC. The FDA has approved two immunotherapy drugs for use in metastatic non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Please click here to learn more about Immunotherapy.

Read more about Immunotherapy for lung cancer

Treatment By Stage

Guiding Your Personalized Treatment Journey

Stage 1 and 2 NSCLC

In general, stage 1 and 2 NSCLC are treated with surgery. Some patients with large tumors or signs that the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes may benefit from chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery (neo-adjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the chance the cancer will return.

Stage 3 NSCLC

Treatment options depend on the size and location of the tumor and the lymph nodes that are involved. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is usually recommended. Surgery may be an option after initial chemotherapy or chemotherapy with radiation therapy.

Read More About Stage III NSCLC

Metastatic or stage 4 NSCLC

Patients with stage IV NSCLC (metastatic lung cancer) typically do not receive surgery or radiation therapy. The goals of systemic therapy are to shrink the cancer, relieve discomfort caused by the cancer, prevent the cancer from spreading further, and lengthen a patient’s life. Treatment often continues as long as it is controlling the cancer’s growth.

1) First line systemic therapy for stage 4 or metastatic lung cancer depends on the genetic changes found in the tumor. For patients with tumors that have a genetic change on the EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or NTRK genes, targeted therapies called Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) are the preferred first-line systemic options.
For stage 4 lung cancer patients with tumors without these genetic changes in the tumor, the treatment options are based on the immunohistochemistry of the lung cancer tumor and on the intensity of PDL1 expression.
For patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma with high PD-L1 expression, immunotherapy alone, or chemo with immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy maybe recommended.
For patients with squamous cell carcinoma with high PD-L1 expression, immunotherapy-alone or combined with chemotherapy maybe recommended.

2) Second line treatment and beyond for stage 4 or metastatic lung cancer depends on the gene mutations found in the tumor and the treatments which patients have already received.
For patients with tumors that do not have a genetic change on the EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or NTRK genes and have received chemotherapy for first-line treatment, immunotherapy can be the next line of treatment if their tumors express a high level of PD-L1.
For patients with tumors that have an EGFR gene mutation, the best treatment option depends on whether the cancer has developed a mutation called T790M, which makes it resistant to the TKI. For patients with tumors that have an ALK, ROS1, BRAF gene mutation, our lung cancer specialist will help you plan your subsequent lines of treatment, which includes new generation TKIs and immunotherapy.

3) Palliative care will also be important to help relieve symptoms and side effects. Radiation therapy or surgery may also be used to treat metastases that are causing pain or other symptoms. Bone metastases that weaken major bones can be treated with surgery, and the bones can be reinforced using metal implants.

Transparency You Can Trust

At Onco Life Centre, we understand the financial burden associated with Lung 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:

Chemotherapy:

Typically the most cost-effective option, with cycles ranging from MYR 5,000 to MYR 8,000.

Targeted Therapy:

More targeted and potentially less taxing, but with a higher cost range starting from MYR 6,000, depending on the specific drug used.

Immunotherapy

Offers a promising approach, but can be the most expensive option, with costs starting at MYR 9,000 depending on the specific type and dosage.

Screening And Prevention Of Lung Cancer

Based on results from the National Lung Screening Trial, Lung Cancer Treatment screening is done with a test called a low-dose CT lung scan. Yearly scan is recommended for people aged 55 to 74 who have smoked for 30 pack years or more or who have quit within the past 15 years.

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.