The Onco Life Podcast

Welcome to Onco Life Centre Podcast.

This episode looks at ASCO's August 2026 guideline update for HER2-positive gastric cancer, including what changed for first-line treatment and why biomarker testing now happens earlier.

You'll learn:
- Why ASCO updated its HER2-positive gastric cancer guideline in August 2026
- What the four newly recommended biomarker tests are
- How new trial results changed first-line treatment options
- What second-line options exist if first-line treatment stops working
- Why the timing of biomarker testing matters for patients
- Roughly what percentage of...

This episode breaks down who faces the highest risk of nasopharyngeal cancer in Malaysia, and why the country sees rates far higher than most of the world.

You'll learn:
- Why nasopharyngeal cancer risk varies so sharply by ethnicity in Malaysia
- Why Chinese Malaysians and indigenous communities in Sarawak and Sabah face some of the highest rates in the world
- How Epstein-Barr virus infection connects to the most common local subtype
- Which diet, lifestyle, and occupational factors raise risk, including salt-preserved foods and wood dust exposure
- How age...

This episode breaks down what the numbers actually mean when it comes to pancreatic cancer, and why stage at diagnosis makes such a dramatic difference.

You'll learn:
- How large population databases like SEER calculate a 5-year relative survival rate
- What the current numbers are for localized, regional, and distant pancreatic cancer
- Why the combined survival figure sits so much lower than the localized one
- What the CA 19-9 tumor marker is and how doctors use it
- How TNM staging, stage I through stage IV, relates to the...

This episode looks at what the numbers really mean when it comes to nasopharyngeal cancer survival, and what shapes outlook beyond stage alone.

You'll learn:
- How large population databases like SEER calculate a 5-year relative survival rate
- What the current survival rates are for localized, regional, and distant nasopharyngeal cancer
- Why EBV DNA levels in the blood can influence prognosis
- How the WHO classifies nasopharyngeal cancer subtypes, and why that matters
- How TNM staging, stage I through stage IV, relates to the SEER categories
- Why...

This episode breaks down two of the most common non-small cell lung cancer subtypes, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and explains why getting the subtype right shapes the entire treatment plan.

You'll learn:
- Why adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are subtypes of NSCLC, not competing diagnoses
- Where each subtype typically starts in the lung and how they relate to smoking history
- Why targeted therapy is more often an option for adenocarcinoma than for squamous cell carcinoma
- How doctors confirm the subtype through biopsy, biomarker testing, and imaging
...

This episode looks at ASTRO's 2026 update to its pancreatic cancer radiation guideline, the American Society for Radiation Oncology's first revision since 2019. We break down what changed, what the evidence shows, and what still needs to be proven.

You'll learn:
- Why ASTRO updated its pancreatic cancer radiation guideline for the first time since 2019
- How the new guideline supports dose escalation with stereotactic body radiation therapy
- Why online adaptive radiation planning is now recommended whenever that dose is escalated
- What the PREOPANC-2, CONKO-007, and SABER trials found about local tumor control...

Choosing the right uterine cancer treatment plan depends on the cancer’s stage, type, genetic features, and the patient’s overall health. This episode explains how specialists evaluate uterine cancer and create a personalized treatment plan using surgery, radiation, systemic therapies, and other options.

Lear...

When uterine cancer returns after treatment, the next steps depend on where the cancer has come back, its type, and your overall health. This episode explains the main treatment options for recurrent uterine cancer and what patients can expect during care.

Learn how specialists build personalized treatment plans for recurrent uterine...

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive option for treating certain uterine cancers, including endometrial cancer. This episode explains how robotic surgery works, its potential benefits, and the factors patients should consider when discussing treatment with their oncology team.

Learn how robotic surgery can...

Cervical cancer care often requires expertise from several medical specialties working together. This episode explains the role of a multidisciplinary team in cervical cancer care and how coordinated treatment can support better decisions, outcomes, and quality of life.

Learn how coordinated cervical cancer care brings specialists...

Precision medicine and molecular testing have changed how specialists diagnose and treat cancer. This episode explains how genetic information, targeted therapies, and liquid biopsies help create personalized cancer treatment plans.

Learn how precision oncology helps specialists select more effective treatments, reduce unnecessary side effects, and adapt care as cancer changes.

Blog Link: <...

Malaysia is emerging as a leading destination for cancer treatment in Asia, offering advanced healthcare facilities, experienced specialists, and affordable care options. This episode explores why patients from across the region are choosing Malaysia for oncology treatment.

Learn how Malaysia combines medical expertise, advanced facilities, and patient-focused care to provide high-quality oncology treatment in the re...

Stage 3 liver cancer is an advanced disease that may involve large tumors or nearby blood vessels. This episode explains the prognosis, treatment choices, and factors that can affect survival and quality of life.

Learn how specialist assessment and a personalized treatment plan can help patients understand their options, manage symptoms, and pursue the best possible outcome.<...

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer lowers testosterone levels or blocks the hormone from reaching cancer cells. This episode explains how treatment works, when it is recommended, and how specialists manage common side effects.

Learn how personalized hormone therapy can slow prostate cancer, support long-term disease control, and help...

A healthy diet after colorectal cancer treatment can support healing, rebuild strength, and help manage digestive side effects. This episode explains which foods to eat, what to limit, and how to gradually return to a balanced diet during recovery.

Learn how practical food choices, proper hydration, and professional nutrition...

Lung cancer is often linked to smoking, but tobacco is not the only risk factor. This episode explores the leading causes and risk factors of lung cancer, including radon, secondhand smoke, genetics, air pollution, and workplace exposure.

Learn how understanding your personal risk factors can support prevention, early detection...

In this episode, we break down the latest FDA cancer treatment approvals from Q2 2026 and explain what they could mean for patients navigating cancer care.

You’ll learn:

A new clinical trial is bringing hope to patients with advanced head and neck cancer who have limited treatment options after standard therapies stop working. In this episode, we break down the latest research on a new targeted antibody injection and what these early findings could mean for patients and their families.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking new research showing how artificial intelligence may help detect breast cancer years before a traditional diagnosis. A large Swedish study found that AI systems could identify subtle signs of breast cancer on mammograms up to six years before doctors confirmed the disease.

You’ll learn:

• How AI detected breast cancer signs years before diagnosis
• What researchers discovered after analyzing nearly 89,000 mammograms
• Why AI scores increased as patients got closer to a breast cancer diagnosis
• How early detection could lead to more personalized breast cancer screening
• The differen...

In this episode, we discuss a major milestone in Malaysian healthcare as Onco Life Centre becomes the first non-hospital-based oncology provider in Malaysia to earn ACHSI accreditation. This internationally recognized achievement highlights the centre’s commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and world-class cancer care.

You’ll learn:

• What ACHSI accreditation is and why it is recognized around the world
• Why Onco Life Centre’s achievement is a first for independent oncology care in Malaysia
• How ACHSI evaluates healthcare providers on safety, quality, and clinical outcomes
• What accreditation means for patients receiving chemotherapy...

In this episode, we explore how targeted therapy drugs are changing the way liver cancer is treated, offering more precise treatment options for patients with advanced disease.

You’ll learn:

• What targeted therapy is and how it works against liver cancer cells
• How targeted drugs help slow tumor growth and block cancer growth signals
• The difference between tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies
• When targeted therapy may be recommended for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and primary liver cancer
• How these treatments can help when surgery or a liver transplant is not possible
• Common...

In this episode, we explain how genetic testing can help identify inherited breast cancer risk and why it may be an important step for individuals and families with a history of cancer.

You’ll learn:

• What genetic testing is and how it helps assess breast cancer risk
• The role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in inherited cancer risk
• Who should consider genetic testing, including those with a strong family history of cancer
• Why breast cancer diagnosed before age 50 may be linked to inherited gene changes
• How ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate can...

In this episode, we break down the Gleason score and explain why it plays such an important role in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.

You’ll learn:

• What the Gleason score is and how it measures prostate cancer severity
• How prostate biopsy results help determine cancer grade and risk level
• The difference between low-grade, intermediate-grade, and high-grade prostate cancer
• Why PSA levels and biopsy findings work together in diagnosis
• When active surveillance may be appropriate for low-risk prostate cancer
• How specialists use Gleason scores to guide treatment decisions
• Why early detect...

In this episode, we explain the connection between colon polyps and colorectal cancer risk, helping you understand how early detection and screening can prevent serious health problems.

You’ll learn:

• What colon polyps are and why they develop in the lining of the colon
• The different types of polyps, including adenomatous polyps and sessile serrated polyps
• Which risk factors may increase the chance of developing colon polyps and colorectal cancer
• How colon cancer screening and colorectal cancer screening help detect polyps early
• When polyps may become cancerous and why removal is important

In this episode, we explore practical ways to reduce lung cancer risk and improve long-term lung health through healthy lifestyle choices, early detection, and awareness of common risk factors.

You’ll learn:

• What increases the risk of lung cancer, including smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental exposures
• Why smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and how quitting can lower your risk over time
• How radon gas, asbestos, workplace chemicals, and air pollution may affect lung health
• Simple lifestyle changes that can help support healthy lungs and overall wellness
• The benefits of regular e...

In this episode, we break down uterine cancer treatment in Malaysia and explain the options available for women diagnosed with endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma. Learn how specialists choose the right treatment plan based on cancer type, stage, and individual health needs.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explain the key differences in treatment for endometrial cancer vs uterine sarcoma. While both cancers affect the uterus, they develop in different tissues and often require different treatment approaches. Learn how specialists determine the best plan based on cancer type, stage, and individual patient needs.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore the support services available for cervical cancer patients in Malaysia and how women can access the resources they need throughout their cancer journey. From government screening programs and financial assistance to specialist oncology care and emotional support, learn what help is available and where to find it.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore the connection between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a type of head and neck cancer that is especially common in Malaysia, Southern China, Hong Kong, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Learn how a virus carried by most adults worldwide can contribute to cancer development in certain high-risk individuals.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore breast cancer treatment for young women under 40 and the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis at a younger age. From fertility concerns to genetic testing and personalized treatment plans, learn what makes breast cancer in younger women different and how early intervention can improve outcomes.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore integrative oncology and how it supports recovery for cancer patients before, during, and after treatment. Learn how evidence-based complementary therapies work alongside conventional cancer care to help manage side effects, improve quality of life, and support overall wellbeing.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore promising new research on a personalized cancer vaccine that may help reduce cancer recurrence and improve long-term survival for patients with high-risk melanoma.

You’ll learn:

• What a personalized cancer vaccine is and how mRNA technology is being used in cancer treatment
• Key findings from the Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 melanoma trial
• How the vaccine reduced the risk of distant cancer spread by 59% and recurrence or death by 49%
• Why combining a personalized vaccine with an immune checkpoint inhibitor may improve outcomes
• How tumor-specific neoantigens help train the immune syste...

A new targeted cancer drug called sac-TMT is showing promising results for patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. In a major Phase 3 clinical trial, the treatment improved both overall survival and progression-free survival compared with standard chemotherapy after previous treatments stopped working.

In this episode, we break down the latest TroFuse-005 trial results, how antibody-drug conjugates work, and why this development could change future treatment options for advanced endometrial cancer.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we discuss where to get uterine cancer treatment in Malaysia and what patients should look for when choosing the right cancer care center. From early diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, this episode explains how specialist-led treatment plans can improve recovery and long-term health outcomes.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explain what cervical cancer recurrence means, why it can happen after treatment, and what patients should know about monitoring, warning signs, and treatment options. Even when cervical cancer returns, early detection and personalized care can help improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.

You’ll learn:

A new study suggests that a blood test may one day help predict which breast cancer patients are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. This emerging liquid biopsy approach focuses on immune-related signals in the blood, especially T-cell activity, to better understand treatment response in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer.

In this episode, we break down what this research means for breast cancer care and why it could become an important step toward more personalized cancer treatment strategies.

You’ll learn:

Doctors are warning that high-dose biotin supplements, commonly found in hair, skin, and nail products, may interfere with important cancer lab tests. For patients undergoing cancer treatment or follow-up care, inaccurate blood test results could affect treatment decisions, hormone monitoring, and tumor marker tracking.

In this episode, we explain how biotin supplements can disrupt cancer-related lab testing and what patients should discuss with their healthcare team before taking over-the-counter beauty supplements.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explore the important role oncologists play in cancer survivorship care after active treatment ends. Survivorship is not only about recovery, but it also involves long-term monitoring, emotional support, and coordinated healthcare to help cancer survivors live healthier and safer lives.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we break down how colon polyps can develop into colorectal cancer and why early screening is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health.

You’ll learn:

In this episode, we explain the best treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer and how men can make informed decisions based on their diagnosis, PSA levels, and overall health.

You’ll learn: