Latest Cancer Genomics Findings Highlight the Value of Comprehensive Profiling in Malaysian Cancer Care
The role of precision oncology in clinical practice took centre stage at the recently concluded National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2026, organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and Sunway University.
Presenting Genomic Landscape of Common Cancers in Malaysia, Professor Dr Chee-Onn Leong, Founder and CEO of AGTC Genomics, highlighted how a cancer diagnosis alone may not reveal the most appropriate treatment. Genomic findings can distinguish tumours that appear similar under the microscope but may respond differently to targeted medicines or immunotherapy.
His talk examined treatment-relevant alterations across lung, breast and colorectal cancers. In lung cancer, identifying changes such as EGFR mutations or ALK fusions can direct clinicians towards matched therapies. In breast cancer, findings involving PIK3CA, ESR1 and DNA-repair genes may inform treatment options in the appropriate clinical setting. In colorectal cancer, RAS and BRAF status, together with microsatellite instability, can materially affect treatment planning. A biomarker result can also help rule out a treatment unlikely to benefit a patient.
Prof Leong emphasised the importance of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) when several potential treatment-driving alterations need to be assessed. By examining multiple genes and types of genomic change in a coordinated test, CGP can reveal options that a limited hotspot test may miss. Its clinical value lies in turning those results into a decision: whether to consider a matched treatment, seek a suitable trial, or follow another evidence-based pathway. Treatment choice must also account for the patient’s diagnosis, disease stage, clinical guidelines and access to medicines.
The session, “From genome to treatment: cancer genomics in Malaysia,” was chaired by Professor Dr Ho Gwo Fuang, Professor and Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Curie Oncology and Cengild G.I. Medical Centre. Fellow presenters included Dr David Lee Dai Wee, Clinical Oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre, who addressed the translation of genomic discoveries into treatment targets, trials and companion diagnostics, and Prof Dr Chin Kin Fah, Consultant General Surgeon, who discussed the i-Silent Mentor rapid tissue donation programme. The forum also generated a fruitful discussion among speakers and delegates on bringing genomic knowledge into clinical practice.
The session reinforced a practical goal for Malaysian cancer care: make high-quality genomic testing available where it can change a treatment decision, and connect its findings to therapies patients can access.
About AGTC Genomics
AGTC Genomics is a Malaysia-based genomics technology company developing and applying next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics solutions. Its work spans research and development, clinical cancer genomics and other areas of genomic medicine, supported by a multidisciplinary team and an ISO 15189- and CAP-accredited laboratory. AGTC aims to make advanced genomic insights more useful and accessible to clinicians and patients in Malaysia and the region.
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