OncoCare Philippines joined oncology specialists from across the region for the inaugural Tamarind Case Sharing Meeting, bringing together expertise and perspectives on the management of rare and complex cancers.
Cancer care becomes stronger when knowledge is shared.
On July 30, more than 60 senior consultant oncologists and specialists from six countries came together for the inaugural Tamarind Case Sharing Meeting, led by OncoCare Singapore from Tamarind Health.
The regional meeting created a dedicated forum for specialists across oncology-related disciplines to connect, discuss challenging cases, and exchange perspectives on the management of rare and complex cancers.
For OncoCare Philippines, being part of conversations such as these reflects the importance of collaboration in continually advancing the standard of cancer care available to patients.
Cancer does not always follow a straightforward path.
Rare and complex cancers can present challenges that require highly specialized knowledge, multidisciplinary perspectives, and careful consideration of each patient’s circumstances.
This makes opportunities for specialists to learn from one another particularly valuable.
The inaugural Tamarind Case Sharing Meeting brought together oncology professionals from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, China, and Vietnam, creating an opportunity for expertise and clinical experiences from different healthcare settings to be shared within one regional forum.
The high level of participation and discussion demonstrated the collective expertise available within the regional network and the value of connecting specialists through dedicated knowledge-sharing initiatives.
One of the featured discussions centered on a de novo Li-Fraumeni syndrome case, presented by Dr. Valerie Yang.
The presentation prompted discussion around genetic testing, strategies for managing patients with rare cancers, and the practical application of precision oncology in clinical practice.
Cases such as these demonstrate why collaboration can be particularly important in oncology.
For patients facing uncommon or complicated cancers, the path toward diagnosis and treatment may involve questions that extend beyond a single specialty. Bringing specialists together provides opportunities to exchange perspectives and learn from experience across disciplines and countries.
Behind every clinical case is a person.
And behind that person is often a family looking for answers, guidance, and the best possible path forward.
For patients with rare cancers in particular, finding specialized expertise can sometimes be challenging. As highlighted by Tamarind Health, these patients may encounter non-specialized physicians or may simply be uncertain about where to seek appropriate care.
Regional collaboration provides specialists with opportunities to share knowledge and perspectives on these difficult cases.
For OncoCare Philippines, participating in a broader network of oncology expertise supports our continuing commitment to thoughtful, personalized, and evidence-informed cancer care.
It also reinforces an important principle in modern oncology: knowledge should not stop at borders.
When specialists are able to connect, discuss, and learn from one another, the collective understanding of complex cancers can continue to grow.
The inaugural Tamarind Case Sharing Meeting marks the beginning of further opportunities for knowledge exchange within the Tamarind Health network.
For OncoCare Philippines, being connected to colleagues and specialists across the region provides opportunities to participate in meaningful conversations about cancer management, precision oncology, and the evolving needs of patients.
It is a relationship built not simply around institutional collaboration, but around a shared purpose: advancing cancer care.
As oncology continues to evolve, collaboration will remain an important part of understanding increasingly complex diseases and translating knowledge into thoughtful clinical practice.
The first Tamarind Case Sharing Meeting established a foundation for continued regional knowledge exchange.
For OncoCare Philippines, we look forward to contributing to future conversations, learning alongside fellow oncology specialists, and strengthening connections across the regional cancer care community.
Because progress in cancer care is rarely achieved alone.
It grows through shared experience, open conversations, continued learning, and people united by the same purpose.
Together, we continue working toward better possibilities in cancer care for every patient and every family we serve.
OncoCare Philippines is part of the Tamarind Health network and is committed to providing personalized cancer care supported by specialist expertise and a patient-centered approach.
Through continued learning and collaboration with oncology professionals within the Philippines and across the region, OncoCare Philippines remains committed to supporting patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.
Nine years. One team. Countless stories of care, commitment, and purpose.
Our 9th Anniversary celebration reminded us that OncoCare’s greatest strength is not measured by numbers alone, but by people who continue to show up, serve with heart, and stand together for patients we care for.
We thank everyone who joined us, from our CEO, Mr. Eng Seng Lim of Tamarind Health, Mr. Bob Huang, SVP–Operations and Corporate Development, Dr. Misael Cruz, Medical Director, Ms. Melania Francisco,General Manager, Doc Ermilinda Batac, Mr. Gerrou Gasendo, Operations Manager, department managers, and every member of the OncoCare family—thank you for being part of this journey.
We are also proud to recognized our service awardees: Mr. Irvine Michael Alba for his 10 year of service, and Mr. Mark John T. Cunanan and Ms. Kaysey Maegan U. Mercado for 5 years of dedicated service.
Dakal a salamat king egana-ganang migtiwala king OncoCare, at karing akaybe mi, king tuloy-tuloy a dedikasyon at malasakit.
Proper nutrition means having a diet that is balanced, with variety, and in the right amount to sustain the body’s needs. Good nutrition is important especially for cancer patients.
Dr Misael Cruz, a Radiation Oncologist with more than two decades of experience in the field, explains the importance of proper nutrition and maintaining the right weight to those who have cancer.
Proper nutrition is important because it will help the patient’s body respond better to treatment. Moreover, it helps reduce treatment-related side effects, and helps the patient recover better after treatment.
The cancer diet oncologists prescribe to patients depend on their condition and diagnosis. Dr Cruz recommends a diet that is healthy, balanced, with variety and in the right amount. It is best for patients to eat organic or naturally-prepared food like green, leafy vegetables.
A Do Not Eat This or Avoid That list does not exactly exist and according to Dr Cruz, a cancer patient can enjoy any food he or she likes as long as it is consumed in moderation. However, it is still best to avoid foods that are unhealthy such as processed foods.
The oncology team constantly monitors the patient’s weight during the course of treatment. Why? Because weight helps determine if the patient is getting the right nutrition or not. With the right nutrition, the patient will gain strength and have a stronger immune system. It will also help the patient feel better and recover faster.
Other than proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight, Dr Cruz adds that physical activity, plenty of water intake and plenty of rest are also important.
Always keep your health in check. Consult with Dr Misael Cruz. Call 0956 172 8218 to schedule an appointment.
Resource:
Cancer nutrition video with Dr Misael Cruz
The management and treatment for breast cancer entails a multi-disciplinary approach. One essential modality is via radiation therapy where a machine such as the TomoTherapy HD is used to deliver external radiation to target the breast or chest wall and draining lymph nodes to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is also an effective way to reduce risk of breast cancer from coming back after surgery.
Radiation therapy for breast cancer is carefully planned by a radiation oncologist. A typical cycle takes 25 to 30 days and each session usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. It is best to come prepared before and during each session. So, we have listed down 6 things to remember while undergoing radiation therapy.
Fatigue is a side effect often experienced by patients undergoing radiation therapy. Having a nutritious diet and doing mild exercises can help alleviate this. Plenty of rest and a good night’s rest are also helpful.
Choose soft bras with no underwire or go braless. Wired bras may cause friction on the skin of the chest wall which may result to peeling of the skin.
Moisturizers can lessen skin dryness, itching, or peeling caused by radiation therapy. It is best to consult a radiation oncologist or the cancer care team first before applying any creams, lotions, or ointments.
Harsh ingredients found in soaps may further irritate and dry the skin being treated so use moisturizing and hypoallergenic soaps instead. Gently wash skin with normal water and mild soap and pat dry.
Wearing tight-fitting clothes or clothes with stiff, rough fabric during treatment can be uncomfortable, plus, it can irritate the skin. Wear clothing that has breathable fabric such as cotton and go one to two sizes larger so that clothing is loose against treated skin.
Skin may be sensitive during treatment. This is why shaving armpit hair and applying deodorant is not advised as doing so may cause skin irritation.
Following these reminders can help make the entire treatment experience better. For more questions, call us at 0956 172 8218.
Easy, simple activities you do on the daily such as taking a bath, combing your hair, and putting clothes on can be challenging to do especially after getting breast cancer surgery. This can happen because surgery can affect and limit the movement of your arms or shoulders. To help restore movement, exercise can be done 3 to 4 days after surgery or once pain from the surgery has subsided.
Here’s a 7-step breast exercise you can do at home. But first, a gentle reminder, do not start this exercise without seeking a doctor or therapist’s advice first, okay? Let’s get started.
Hold a rubber ball or stress ball cupped in your hand, alternately squeeze and relax. You should feel the muscles tightening throughout your arm. Repeat three times.
Place both elbows with your palms pressed together in front of you. Press your palms together as firmly as you can and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat three times.
Turn your head from side to side, looking over your shoulder as far as you can reach. Bend your head from one side to the other, bringing your ears as close as possible to your shoulder. Repeat three times.
Clasp both your hands in front of you and straighten your elbows. Then lift your arms as high as possible above your head, stretch, and then lower slowly again. Repeat three times.
“Walk” the fingers of both hands up the wall until you have climbed as far as you can reach and hold it for 5 seconds. Walk your fingers down to shoulder level again. Repeat three times.
Place your hands on your shoulders, your elbows tucked in at your sides. Circle your elbows forward to the shoulder level, then upwards, then backwards and then down to your sides again. Repeat three times.
Get a light towel. Hold one end with your good hand over the top of the shoulder and the other end with the hand of the operated side at hip level behind your back. Now using a “pulley” action, raise the towel as far as you can and then pull it down again diagonally across your back. Repeat three times.
Do the above exercise three times a day at your tolerance level only. You should feel your arms and shoulders moving back to normal again. Ask our cancer care team to know which exercise is right for you. Leave us a message or call us at 0956 172 8218.
The lack of a one-stop centre for cancer care has been a problem plaguing our country. This is what Central Luzon Integrated Oncology Centre, CLIOC tries to address, providing care with concern and compassion, along with advanced medical equipment, facilities, and availability of best practices. Optimal management for cancer has always involved a consolidated approach from a multidisciplinary team, that gives a streamlined delivery of care ranging from diagnosis to treatment, be it curative or palliative.
The approach of CLIOC to provide the right care, for the right person, at the right time motivated me to join the group. As a contributor to oncology care in the country, CLIOC not only provides a complete package for cancer care, but also gives a lot of positive vibes that leave a good and lasting impression on the hearts and minds of patients and families.
As a Physician working in this centre and as part of the Clinical Practice Partnership (CPP), CLIOC provides a platform wherein I can interact with patients in a conducive manner. CLIOC also provides logistics needed for my practice such as continuing medical education, patient education and collaboration with local and international colleagues. Coinciding the availability of advanced medical equipment, doctors and allied health professionals, total patient care and compassion have always been part of the solution.
Overall, CLIOC instilled in me the needed extra mile to nurture the culture of excellence in the practice of oncology.