Cancer information

A new era of precision treatment of lung cancer: Genetic Testing rewrites the Story of life｜Cancer Lecture series (2025/10/17)

date: October 17, 2025 | location： Shing Lok Centre, Jordan, Kowloon | Keynote speaker: Dr. Li Yu Chung, Jacky

 

Lecture Background

On October 17, 2025, the Hong Kong United Oncology Centre (HKUOC), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Oncology Study Group (HKOSG), successfully held a seminar titled "Precision Treatment for Lung Cancer: Gene Testing Reshaping Lives" at the Sheng Lok Centre in Jordan. The event attracted over one hundred lung cancer patients, survivors, and their families. The main speaker was a specialist in clinical oncology.Dr. Li Yu Chung, Jacky, The lecture introduced in depth how genetic testing technology can bring new hope to lung cancer patients.

Essence review：

 

Part 1: From a "one-size-fits-all" approach to a "tailor-made" medical revolution

"In 2003, we only had chemotherapy; by 2018, we had nine different targeted therapy options!" — Dr. Lee Yu-chung

  • The huge difference in treatment methods in 2003 vs. 2018
  • Complete introduction to the 9 major treatable gene mutations
  • Technical principle of NGS (next-generation gene sequencing)
  • Why genetic testing is the first step in precision treatment
  • The shift in treatment philosophy from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to a "tailor-made" approach.

Dr. Li vividly demonstrated the tremendous progress in lung cancer treatment in just 15 years by comparing treatment methods from 2003 and 2018:

  • Year 2003：Traditional chemotherapy uses a "one-size-fits-all" approach, where all patients receive the same drugs, resulting in significant side effects and low response rates.
  • Year 2018：Precision medicine: a "tailor-made" approach, selecting targeted drugs based on genetic mutations, offering 9 treatment options.

9 major treatable gene mutations：Modern genetic testing technology can identify nine treatable gene mutations, each with a corresponding targeted drug, including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, HER2, KRAS, RET, MET, NTRK, and BRAF.

NGS genetic testing：Dr. Li compares genetic testing to an "identity check," explaining that through next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, doctors can test multiple genes simultaneously, accurately matching targeted therapies and saving time and medical expenses.

 

 

Part 2: EGFR Targeted Therapy — The Difference Between "Shooting an Arrow" and "Pouring Fire"


"Targeted therapy is like shooting an arrow at a target, while chemotherapy is like throwing fire." — Dr. Li Yu Chung's vivid analogy.

  • In-depth analysis of the mechanism of EGFR gene mutation
  • 50-60% of non-smoking patients have EGFR mutations
  • Targeted therapy vs. chemotherapy: A vivid analogy of "shooting arrows" versus "spreading fire."
  • The working principle of EGFR targeted drugs (identification → blocking → inhibition → protection)
  • Why is the EGFR mutation rate particularly high in Asian female non-smokers?

EGFR treatment data：50-60% of non-smoking lung cancer patients have EGFR mutations, and the response rate to targeted therapy is 60-80%, which is significantly higher than the 20-30% response rate of chemotherapy, and with fewer side effects.

Targeted therapy vs chemotherapy：Targeted therapy precisely targets cancer cells with EGFR mutations, while chemotherapy indiscriminately attacks all cells, resulting in significant side effects.

 

 

Part 3: "A Silver Lining in Misfortune" — The 5-Year Survival Miracle of ALK+ Patients

"One capsule of Lorlatinib per day, the condition has been controlled for more than 5 years! "-Real ALK+ patient cases

  • Real cases of ALK+ patients: one pill a day, controlled for more than 5 years
  • The profound meaning of "great happiness in misfortune"
  • ALK-positive characteristics: 3-5% incidence, more common in young non-smokers
  • Lorlatinib (third-generation ALK inhibitor) has excellent efficacy
  • Clinical data: PFS for more than 5 years, response rate of 70-80%

Case inspiration: A patient with ALK-positive lung cancer took one capsule of Lorlatinib daily and successfully controlled his condition for more than 5 years and maintained a good quality of life. The treatment response rate of ALK-positive patients is as high as 70-80%.

Lorlatinib advantages: The third-generation ALK inhibitors can effectively control brain metastasis, overcome drug resistance, and are easy to take.

 

 

Part 4: You are not fighting alone—the power of community support

"When you feel confused, let an experienced fellow traveler accompany you through this journey."

  • HKOSG's four missions: emotional support, information education, doctor-patient bridge, and community education
  • The importance of the concept of "fellow traveler" support
  • The impact of correct information vs. incorrect information
  • Challenges faced by patients and their families (confusion, loneliness, confusion)
  • How to participate in the support network (lectures, groups, online platforms)

Four missions：

  • Emotional support: Connect patients and survivors to share real experiences.
  • Information education: Provide correct and timely cancer treatment information.
  • Doctor-patient bridge: Promote communication between patients, family members and medical staff.
  • Community education: Hold lectures to raise public awareness of cancer treatment.

The importance of support for fellow travelers:Patients often face information confusion, psychological loneliness, and treatment confusion. Support from past people can provide real experience sharing and give hope and confidence.

 

 

For more information

For more information about lung cancer screening, genetic testing, or treatment options, please contact Hong Kong United Oncology Centre (HKUOC):

 

 

Disclaimer of Warranty

The content of this article is for educational reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your attending doctor for a personalized treatment plan.

 

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