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What Oncology Services Does Well Clinic Provide?
To provide you with comprehensive and compassionate care on your journey to recovery, well clinic combines professional oncological expertise with state-of-the-art facilities.
In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we have introduced advanced targeted therapies and immunotherapies to provide the following one-stop, personalized, and precision cancer services:
Cancer Chemotherapy Equipped with facilities that meet professional medical standards, we offer intravenous and oral chemotherapy for various common cancers. Our medical team provides close monitoring to ensure the treatment process is safe, comfortable, and conducted in a highly private environment.
Targeted Therapy This approach focuses on precision strikes against cancer cells with specific genetic mutations. Based on your genetic testing results, our specialist doctors select appropriate targeted drugs to block tumour growth while minimizing the impact on healthy cells, offering a more focused and gentler treatment plan.
Immunotherapy By reactivating the patient’s own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells, we provide internationally recognized immunotherapy protocols. This helps the body build a long-lasting defense against cancer, particularly for patients with advanced stages or specific biomarkers.
Comprehensive Side Effect Management Whether undergoing chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, patients may experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, rashes, or immune reactions. We proactively prescribe relief medications and provide professional daily care guidance to minimize the impact on your quality of life.
Psychological and Nutritional Support Fighting cancer requires both precision medicine and a strong support system. We care about your overall well-being, not just the progress of your clinical treatment. Our team provides professional nutritional advice and psychological support to help you and your family maintain a positive mindset throughout the treatment phases.
Pricing:
We are committed to providing clear and transparent pricing. Our specialist doctors will have an honest discussion with you regarding your actual condition, treatment goals, and budget to co-create a personalized plan that balances clinical effectiveness with financial feasibility. The most expensive treatment is not necessarily the one best suited for your specific needs.If you have any concerns or questions regarding the costs of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, please feel free to communicate with our team. We are dedicated to helping you find the most appropriate solution for your circumstances.
What is Chemotherapy and What are its Goals?
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that utilizes chemical drugs to destroy cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death). As a widely established treatment for various types of cancer over many years, chemotherapy has become increasingly affordable within the current Hong Kong healthcare system compared to the past. The Goals of Chemotherapy Treatment Depending on the stage of the disease, chemotherapy aims to achieve the following objectives:
Curative Treatment In early-stage cases, chemotherapy offers the potential to eradicate cancer cells entirely, allowing patients to regain their health. However, long-term follow-up is essential after treatment completion to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
Tumour Control In intermediate-stage cases, even if the chances of a complete cure are lower than in early stages, chemotherapy can be used to shrink tumours and keep the disease under control.
Symptom Relief (Palliative Care) For advanced-stage cancer, chemotherapy can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life, a process also known as “Palliative Care”.
In addition to being used as a standalone therapy, chemotherapy is frequently employed as an adjuvant treatment alongside surgery and radiotherapy to enhance overall efficacy.
When selecting chemotherapy drugs, doctors carefully consider the type of cancer, as well as the size, location, and distribution (extent of metastasis) of the tumour. At the same time, the doctor assesses the patient’s physical condition to evaluate their tolerance for potential side effects. If necessary, a combination of multiple chemotherapy drugs may be used to achieve a synergistic effect.
Most chemotherapy treatments are administered via injection or oral medication. Except for specific cases where prolonged infusion times require an overnight stay, most chemotherapy sessions can be completed at a day center or outpatient clinic without the need for hospitalization.
What is the Chemotherapy Process?
Administering chemotherapy drugs is a critical part of cancer treatment and is often the primary concern for patients. Contrary to many expectations, there are very few restrictive rules during injection. Patient health and safety are strictly protected before, during, and after the infusion, ensuring a secure experience.
Pre-Treatment Assessment and Blood Tests
Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, leading to a decrease in white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. Therefore, a blood test is required before every session. If the report shows that certain indicators are too low, the treatment may be postponed until they return to a safe range.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Once blood indicators are ideal, the treatment date is confirmed.
Avoid excessive or hard-to-digest food 2 to 3 hours before treatment. Maintain a light diet; fasting is not required.
Take prescribed medications (such as anti-nausea drugs, steroids, or stomach medications) as directed to reduce post-treatment discomforts like nausea or infusion reactions, ensuring a smooth process.
Drug Preparation and Aseptic Operation
Nursing and pharmacy staff prepare the drugs according to the prescription.
Liquid drugs are drawn directly via syringe, while powder drugs require dilution with infusion fluid, which takes longer.
The entire process is completed within a biological safety cabinet to ensure sterility and staff safety.
Starting the Infusion (Cannulation and Connection)
The injection site is disinfected with alcohol swabs after applying a tourniquet.
A soft cannula is inserted into the vein, and the infusion tubing is connected.
Depending on individual needs, some patients—especially those requiring long-term infusion or with fragile veins—may use an implanted port (Port-a-Cath).
Experience During Infusion
Infusions containing steroids are usually administered slowly; most patients tolerate the process well.
Infusion time varies by prescription, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Fasting is not necessary; light snacks like biscuits or milk are allowed.
If you need to use the restroom, you can alert the nurse to temporarily disconnect the tubing.
Handling Discomfort and Immediate Assessment
If you feel any discomfort during the infusion, notify the nurse immediately.
The nurse will pause the infusion, disconnect the tubing, measure vital signs, and call a doctor for an immediate assessment.
Completion and Discharge Recommendations
After the session, the nurse will remove the tubing and apply pressure to the injection site for about 10 minutes to stop bleeding.
Patients can go home if they feel well, or rest at the clinic if needed.
Safety Note: Because anti-allergy medications may cause dizziness, we recommend being accompanied by a family member and avoiding driving or operating machinery.
While most patients feel fine on the day of treatment, fatigue may set in 1 to 3 days later. We suggest plenty of rest, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet to prepare for the next injection.
Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Management
Hair Loss
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect hair follicle cells, causing varying degrees of hair loss. However, this is temporary, and the hair will regrow after the chemotherapy treatment is completed.
Treatment: Use a soft and breathable hat or headscarf, or wear a wig.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, usually occurring hours to days after administration, and in severe cases, can even lead to dehydration. However, current chemotherapy drugs have greatly improved, and nausea and vomiting are becoming less common. Furthermore, they can be effectively prevented and controlled with prescription medications.
Treatment: Before applying the medication, eat a small, light meal. After applying the medication, drink plenty of water, eat small, frequent meals, and choose easily digestible, light foods. Avoid fried, greasy, gas-producing, and spicy foods.
Decreased Blood Cell Counts
Another side effect of chemotherapy is the potential suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to a decrease in red blood cell count. If the red blood cell count is too low, patients may experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. A decrease in white blood cell count can weaken the patient’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Treatment: Pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid crowded places, and avoid eating leftover or undercooked food. At the same time, patients should pay attention to nutrition, eating more high-protein, high-calorie foods, which will help increase blood cell count. Doctors may also prescribe white blood cell-boosting injections as needed by individual patients.
Gastrointestinal Reactions
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the digestive tract lining, leading to constipation or diarrhea.
Treatment: Constipation can be improved by eating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. For diarrhea, it is advisable to eat light or warm liquid foods to replenish the fluids lost during diarrhea, and avoid eating irritating foods. If the condition is mild, the patient can take antidiarrheal medication; however, if the condition is severe and may lead to dehydration, the doctor should be notified as soon as possible.
Low Platelet Count
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause a decrease in platelet count. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, with clinical symptoms including easy bruising, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding. If necessary, doctors may recommend lowering the dosage of chemotherapy drugs.
Treatment: Pay attention to safety in daily life, such as avoiding injury when shaving, exercising, and using sharp objects.
Oral ulcers
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the oral mucosa, causing redness, swelling, and inflammation, as well as white patches resembling prickly heat, leading to pain and even difficulty eating.
Treatment: Maintain good oral hygiene, rinse with a mild salt water solution or a doctor-prescribed mouthwash, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and eat soft, easily swallowed foods. If the condition severely affects the patient’s nutritional intake, the doctor must be informed.
Fatigue
The patient has insufficient red blood cells, which reduces the body’s oxygen levels, making them prone to fatigue.
Treatment: Ensure sufficient rest and engage in light exercise regularly.
Nerve and Muscle Numbness
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage as a side effect, leading to symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and decreased sensation.
Treatment: Mild cases can be relieved by keeping warm, massaging, and applying heat. If the condition is severe, you must notify a
What is Targeted Therapy and Which Cancers is it Suitable For?
In the 1980s, scientists discovered that cancer cells rely on various growth factors and other substances to promote their development. By blocking these growth factors, tumors stop dividing. Targeted cancer drugs are designed to identify the unique growth factor receptors of a tumor to inhibit cell growth.The relationship between a targeted drug and a tumor receptor is often compared to a “lock and key”—since the drug only fits specific receptors, it has less impact on normal cells. Consequently, side effects are generally milder than those of traditional chemotherapy, while the drugs effectively prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
In the 1990s, treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer and chronic leukemia pioneered the era of targeted therapy. Since then, numerous targeted drugs have been approved for a wide range of cancers, including colon, kidney, liver, gastric, skin, and lung cancers.
Common Categories of Targeted Drugs
Signal Transduction Inhibitors In certain cancers, malignant cells continue to divide even without external growth stimuli. These inhibitors interfere with inappropriate signaling pathways to suppress cell growth.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels. Once a tumor reaches a certain size, it requires its own blood supply to provide the oxygen and nutrients needed for continued growth. These inhibitors prevent the tumor from growing new vessels, effectively starving it.
Apoptosis-Inducing Drugs These medications trigger “programmed cell death” (apoptosis) specifically within cancer cells.
Monoclonal Antibodies with Toxins Once an antibody binds to a target cell, toxic molecules attached to it (such as radioactive substances or poisonous chemicals) are taken up by the cell, leading to cell death. Because most cells in the body lack the specific target, they remain unaffected.
A newer concept in targeted therapy, ADCs act like “precision-guided missiles.” They consist of an antibody (the satellite navigation system) that identifies tumor receptors and a cytotoxic payload (the explosive component) that is released to destroy the target cell precisely.
Characteristics of Targeted Cancer Therapy
Targeted therapies are most commonly administered orally (tablets or capsules) or via intravenous injection, though some may be given subcutaneously.
The fundamental difference between targeted therapy and traditional chemotherapy is their mechanism:Targeted Therapy: Interferes with specific molecules (targets) involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.Traditional Chemotherapy: Acts on all actively dividing cells throughout the body.
Because of this specificity, targeted therapies often result in fewer side effects. However, they are only effective for patients whose tumors possess the specific target that the drug is designed to hit. Therefore, patients must meet specific criteria—such as having certain genetic biomarkers or having a cancer that has spread or resisted other treatments—to be eligible for this therapy.
What is Immunotherapy and How Does it Work?
The human immune system is a vital mechanism responsible for attacking foreign “invaders,” such as bacteria and viruses, to maintain health. However, some cancer cells can emit signals to evade immune attacks or even cause the immune system to malfunction. Cancer Immunotherapy refers to drugs—usually administered via intravenous (IV) infusion—that enable the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This treatment is used for various cancers, including lung, liver, esophageal, and gastric cancers.
The human immune system has a self-suppressing mechanism similar to a “checkpoint” at a border crossing. When the system detects that an immune response has been overly activated after successfully repelling invaders like bacteria or viruses, it triggers these “checkpoints” to bring the immune system back to normal levels. Unfortunately, cunning cancer cells learn to exploit these checkpoints to hide from detection.
Medical research has discovered a protein called PD-L1 on the surface of some cancer cells. Once it binds with the PD-1 receptor on T-cells (immune cells), the immune system’s normal function is “braked” or halted. This prevents T-cells from identifying the cancer, allowing it to grow and spread freely. Immunotherapy drugs work by blocking the binding of PD-1 receptors to PD-L1 proteins, thereby restoring the immune system’s natural ability to fight.
Since 2015, immunotherapy has been gradually introduced in Hong Kong. Initially approved for only a few diseases, its application has expanded significantly to include lung cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, head and neck cancer, and more. Currently, the two main categories of registered immunotherapy drugs in Hong Kong are PD-1 inhibitors and PD-L1 inhibitors.
Treatment Duration and Administration
Immunotherapy is typically administered via intravenous drip. The specific duration and length of the course depend on the patient’s individual condition.
Frequency: Usually once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Session Length: Approximately 30 to 90 minutes per infusion.
Doctors closely monitor the patient’s condition to adjust dosages, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
Who is Suitable for Immunotherapy?
Using lung cancer as an example, patients must undergo an “Immune Biomarker Test” to detect the level of PD-L1 protein on the tumor surface. Clinical studies show that the higher the PD-L1 level, the more effective the response to immunotherapy.
The test uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Pathologists determine the PD-L1 level (ranging from 1% to 100%) based on the percentage of stained tumor tissue samples: High Level: Greater than 50%Low Level: 1% to 49%
For cases where the tumor has no specific genetic mutations (making targeted therapy unsuitable), if the PD-L1 level is high (over 50%), immunotherapy has been proven more effective than traditional chemotherapy.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy
Because immunotherapy utilizes the body’s own immune power, it theoretically does not harm normal cells, making it highly safe in most cases. However, because the immune system is activated, there is a chance of immune-mediated side effects. These occur when the immune system attacks healthy organs, potentially leading to:
Pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
Thyroiditis
Gastroenteritis
Hepatitis
Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
Fewer than 3% of patients experience severe immune dysregulation. If serious adverse reactions occur, doctors may advise pausing the medication and prescribing steroids to control the overactive immune response.
