The Onco Life Podcast

DR. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE

Welcome to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for cancer care insights, treatment updates, and patient-centered education. Hosted by the team at Onco Life Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this podcast is designed to guide patients, caregivers, and listeners through every stage of the cancer journey. Each episode features expert advice from our oncologists, wellness tips, treatment innovations, and answers to the most common questions about cancer types, therapies, and recovery. 🎧 Empowering you with knowledge, support, and compassionate care—every step of the way. 📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🌐 Learn more at oncolifecentre.com

  1. 1d ago

    New Targeted Drug sac-TMT Improves Survival in Advanced Endometrial Cancer

    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:  What does advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer mean  Why do treatment options become limited after platinum chemotherapy, and immunotherapy fail  What sac-TMT is and how this antibody-drug conjugate ADC targets TROP2 cancer cells  How the TroFuse-005 Phase 3 trial was designed and why it matters  What overall survival and progression-free survival actually measure in cancer trials  Why improving both survival endpoints is important for patients and doctors  How sac-TMT differs from immunotherapy and traditional chemotherapy  The role of biomarkers like MSI, mismatch repair deficiency, and POLE mutations in endometrial cancer  What researchers still need to learn from the full trial data release  The possible side effects linked to sac-TMT treatment  What FDA review and possible approval could look like in 2027  How targeted therapies are changing the future of cancer care The early trial results are encouraging, especially for patients whose cancer progressed after standard treatments. However, experts are still waiting for the complete survival data, subgroup analysis, and detailed safety findings before treatment guidelines can fully change. This episode explains the science, the trial results, and the future potential of sac-TMT in clear, easy-to-understand language. Blog Link: Targeted Drug Improves Survival in Advanced Endometrial Cancer Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    2 min
  2. May 20

    Where to Get Uterine Cancer Treatment in Malaysia: What Patients Should Know

    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:  What uterine cancer is and why early diagnosis matters  How scans, biopsies, and tests help confirm the cancer stage  The main uterine cancer treatment options available in Malaysia  When surgery is used as part of cancer treatment  How radiation therapy helps destroy cancer cells after surgery  The role of chemotherapy in slowing or stopping cancer growth  Why gynecologic oncologists are important in treatment planning  How supportive care helps manage fatigue, discomfort, and hormonal changes  What to consider when choosing a cancer treatment center in Malaysia  Why is follow-up monitoring important after treatment ends  How structured cancer care improves recovery and quality of life This episode also explains how specialist-led oncology care, supportive treatment plans, and long-term monitoring help patients manage uterine cancer more effectively. Blog Link: Where to Get Uterine Cancer Treatment in Malaysia Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    19 min
  3. May 19

    Biotin Supplements May Interfere With Cancer Test Results: What Patients Need to Know

    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:  Why biotin supplements may interfere with cancer test results  How vitamin B7 affects blood tests used in cancer care  Which lab tests may be impacted, including tumor markers, thyroid tests, hormone levels, and troponin  Why false lab results can delay treatment decisions or trigger unnecessary testing  Why do many cancer patients take hair, skin, and nail supplements during recovery  What doctors recommend before scheduled bloodwork, including stopping biotin at least 72 hours beforehand  Why is supplement disclosure important during cancer treatment and follow-up care  Safer alternatives for hair regrowth, including scalp cooling and topical minoxidil  Questions patients should ask their oncology team before taking supplements  How accurate lab results support safer and more effective cancer care decisions This episode highlights an important but often overlooked issue in cancer care: how common supplements may affect the lab tests doctors rely on to guide treatment. Blog Link: Biotin Supplements May Interfere With Cancer Test Results, Doctors Warn Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    2 min
  4. May 19

    Blood Test Could Help Predict Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Success With Liquid Biopsy Research

    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:  What this new liquid biopsy blood test measures and how it differs from standard ctDNA testing  Why T-cell activity may help predict immunotherapy success  Key findings from the study involving 546 blood samples from 160 breast cancer patients  How blood transcriptomic patterns were linked to better treatment response  Why immunotherapy is already important for high-risk triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)  How blood-based testing is becoming more common in breast cancer treatment decisions  Why researchers still need larger studies and validation before routine clinical use  What questions remain about timing, cutoffs, and treatment changes based on test results  How this research could lead to less invasive and more personalized cancer care in the future This episode explores the growing role of liquid biopsy research in breast cancer treatment and why doctors are looking for smarter ways to predict immunotherapy outcomes while reducing unnecessary side effects. Blog Link: Blood Test Could Help Predict Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Success Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    2 min
  5. May 19

    What Happens if Cervical Cancer Treatment Fails or the Cancer Returns?

    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:  What does cervical cancer recurrence mean after treatment  Why microscopic cancer cells may remain hidden in the body  How HPV increases the risk of cervical cancer returning  Why lymph node involvement can raise recurrence risk  Common warning signs like pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, fatigue, and leg swelling  How doctors use imaging scans, pelvic exams, and blood tests for monitoring  Treatment options for recurrent cervical cancer include radiation therapy and chemotherapy  When pelvic exenteration surgery may be considered for localized recurrence  How personalized treatment plans help balance effectiveness and side effects  Why long-term follow-up care is important after cervical cancer treatment  How supportive oncology care helps patients manage symptoms and maintain quality of life This episode also discusses the importance of early detection, ongoing monitoring, and modern treatment strategies for recurrent cervical cancer and metastatic cervical cancer. Blog Link: What Happens if Cervical Cancer Treatment Fails or the Cancer Returns? Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    19 min
  6. May 18

    The Role of an Oncologist in Cancer Survivorship Care: Long-Term Support After Treatment

    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:  What cancer survivorship care means after treatment ends  How oncologists help patients transition into long-term recovery  What is included in survivorship care plans and follow-up schedules  Why long-term monitoring is important for recurrence and side effect management  How emotional support improves quality of life for cancer survivors  The role of primary care doctors in coordinated survivorship care  How survivorship programs help organize follow-ups and improve patient support  Why healthy lifestyle guidance is part of long-term cancer recovery  Common challenges in survivorship care and how healthcare teams address them  How future survivorship care plans are becoming more personalized and patient-focused This episode explains how survivorship care creates a continuous support system for cancer survivors through monitoring, prevention, emotional care, and teamwork between oncology and primary care providers. Blog Link: The Role of an Oncologist in Cancer Survivorship Care Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    19 min
  7. May 11

    Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment

    In this episode, we explain how breast cancer can spread to the bones, the symptoms patients should watch for, and the treatment options available to help manage pain, mobility, and quality of life. You’ll learn:  What does bone metastasis mean in stage IV breast cancer  The most common areas where breast cancer spreads include the spine, pelvis, ribs, and limbs  Early symptoms such as persistent bone pain, fractures, numbness, and fatigue  Why bone metastases are sometimes mistaken for other conditions  How doctors diagnose bone metastasis using X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, bone scans, and blood tests  The role of radiation therapy in reducing pain and stabilizing weakened bones  How hormone therapy and targeted therapy help slow cancer growth in the bones  The importance of pain management and medications that support bone strength  How clinical trials may provide access to newer treatment options  Lifestyle adjustments that help reduce injury risk and improve mobility  The benefits of physical therapy, emotional support, and nutritional care during treatment Bone metastasis can feel overwhelming, but early detection and specialist-guided care can help patients manage symptoms, maintain independence, and improve overall quality of life. Understanding treatment options empowers patients and families to make informed decisions throughout their cancer journey. Blog Link: Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    20 min
  8. May 11

    Colon Polyps and Colorectal Cancer Development: What You Need to Know

    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:  What colon polyps are and how they form  The difference between adenomatous, serrated, hyperplastic, and inflammatory polyps  Why some polyps are considered pre-cancerous  Common risk factors, including age, genetics, smoking, and inflammatory bowel disease  Why do most colon polyps cause no symptoms  Warning signs like blood in stool and bowel habit changes  How colonoscopy helps detect and remove polyps before cancer develops  Why screening should begin at age 45 for most adults  Lifestyle changes that may help reduce colorectal cancer risk  The importance of long-term monitoring after polyp removal Understanding colon polyps and colorectal cancer development can help you take proactive steps toward prevention. Early detection, regular screening, and healthy lifestyle habits can greatly reduce the risk of serious disease and support long-term colon health. Blog Link: Colon Polyps and Colorectal Cancer Development Send us Fan Mail Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education. Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE 📍 Visit us at oncolifecentre.com 📞 Call: +603-2242-2620 📧 Book a consultation or ask a question — we're here to support your journey.

    19 min

About

Welcome to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for cancer care insights, treatment updates, and patient-centered education. Hosted by the team at Onco Life Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this podcast is designed to guide patients, caregivers, and listeners through every stage of the cancer journey. Each episode features expert advice from our oncologists, wellness tips, treatment innovations, and answers to the most common questions about cancer types, therapies, and recovery. 🎧 Empowering you with knowledge, support, and compassionate care—every step of the way. 📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🌐 Learn more at oncolifecentre.com

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