We’re proud to share that our doctor, Dr. Stephen Chan, recently delivered an insightful presentation at the Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery Conference (AMSC) Asia 2025.

His topic, “Latest Trends in Anti-Aging: From Living Better to Living Longer,” explored cutting-edge advancements in regenerative aesthetics and longevity medicine.

At LifeClinic, we’re committed to bringing these innovative approaches to our patients for natural, long-lasting results.

Press: Prestige

Type: Online & Printed magazine

Issue Date: 14 Aug 2025

Read More: Click Here

Hormones can make or break our skin health. Prestige finds out from three experts how we can manage these chemical messengers.

For all the magic creams and potions we lather on our faces to achieve that sought-after glow up, sometimes the culprit behind that one pesky pimple is simply our hormones. Hormonal fluxes impact the skin throughout our lives. Your acne breakouts during puberty? Blame it on rising estrogen and androgens. Pre-period flare-ups and puffiness? Caused by the rise and fall of progesterone. That pregnancy glow? All thanks to a boost in estrogen levels. In perimenopause and menopause, the drop in estrogen is most dramatic, leading to dryness, dullness, a reduction in elasticity and slower skin repair, according to Beth Wright, a functional medicine health coach and certified functional nutritionist specialising in women’s health and performance. “Many women assume their skincare has suddenly stopped working, but it’s actually their hormonal baseline that’s changed.”

According to Dr Stephen Chan, chief medical advisor for LifeHealth Group, the most important hormones for the skin are the sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogen plays a central role in skin health, supporting collagen production, hydration, elasticity and overall skin structure, while progesterone’s function is “less clear”, though it’s important for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity…..

我们正在输掉与癌症的战争吗？ 

根据世界卫生组织（WHO）的统计，全球每年新增1,400万宗癌症病例，其中约有三分之二，即800万人最终因癌症死亡。未来的二十年，这个数字可能会倍增。 

我们活在一个剧毒环境日益严重的世界中：鱼类含有汞，鸡只被喂食砒霜来增强食欲，牲畜则被注射荷尔蒙以增加体重。这些毒素对人体的排毒机制与免疫系统造成极大负担。 

香港Life Clinic院长陈医生（Dr. Stephen Chan）指出，人体对抗癌症的关键正是这两大系统。

 「我们的身体不断在产生潜在的癌细胞，」陈医生说。 「但99%的DNA突变会被细胞自行修复或自我毁灭（即细胞凋亡）。 

若有突变细胞逃过监控，它们可能会无限制地增生，侵入周围组织，并透过血管转移到肝脏、骨骼或大脑等部位。」

 传统医学主要透过手术、放射治疗与化疗来对抗癌细胞。尽管这些方法对初期癌症有效，但对于已经扩散的第三或第四期癌症成效有限。 

陈医生解释：「癌细胞极为狡猾，它们能关闭原本会触发自毁程序的P53抑癌基因，或是启动有利癌细胞生存的基因表达。它们甚至能躲藏在血液供应不足的区域，让化疗药物难以到达。」

 陈医生指出，成功对抗癌症的策略应包括改变癌细胞的生长条件，例如碱化血液、控制糖分摄取。许多患者在化疗初期反应良好，但几个月后癌症可能转移并产生抗药性。

这正是整合肿瘤医学（Integrative Oncology）的核心：不仅摧毁癌细胞，更要改变其生存与成长的根本条件。 

此方法旨在保持患者体力与免疫力，无论是否接受传统疗法，都能提升存活机率与生活品质。「如果患者本身无法挺过疗程，杀死癌细胞也没意义。」陈医生强调。 

整合肿瘤医学的五大治疗工具

 1. 癌细胞敏感性测试（Cancer Cell Sensitivities） 

透过血液检测分离癌细胞，并测试其对不同的化疗药物或天然疗法的反应。 

这帮助医疗团队挑选最有效且副作用最低的组合。 

2. 高剂量静脉维他命C疗法（High-dose IV Vitamin C） 

高剂量维他命C作为辅助癌症治疗已超过40年。 

静脉注射能在不伤害正常细胞的情况下，诱发癌细胞死亡。研究显示此疗法可延长癌末患者寿命达一年以上。 

3. 酵素疗法（Enzyme Therapy） 

高剂量的蛋白分解酵素可破坏癌细胞外壳，使免疫系统更容易辨识与攻击。 

搭配凯利疗法（Kelly Protocol）的营养方案，曾成功应用于难治型如胰脏癌等。

 4. 高温治疗（Hyperthermia）

 透过加热身体至摄氏42度，研究显示可破坏癌细胞蛋白质结构。

 这有效提升放疗与化疗的效果，对正常组织伤害极小。

 5. 低剂量化疗（Metronomic Chemotherapy）

与传统高剂量化疗不同。 

此法使用低剂量、持续性给药。

 可防止肿瘤生成新血管，不仅副作用低，还能维持生活品质。 

更减少抗药性与复发风险。

 许多癌症患者常感到彷徨无助，尤其在晚期阶段，身体虚弱、生活品质急剧下降。

 陈医生指出： 

「对抗癌症不必这么痛苦。只要愿意跳出传统思维框架，整合医学提供更多选择与希望。」

 

原文原载于:

cancer.lifeclinic.com.hk/integrative-oncology-a-new-hope-in-a-losing-battle/

 

参考资料:

1. National Cancer Institute. (2020). “Cancer Statistics.”
2. World Health Organization. (2021). “Cancer.”
3. Jacobson, M. (2018). “The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Treatment.” Journal of Clinical Oncology.
4. Horneber, M., et al. (2012). “Vitamin C and Cancer: A Review of the Literature.” Cancer Research.
5. Ghosh, S. (2016). “Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy: A Review.” Journal of Cancer.

 

*Disclaimer:  The content of this article is provided solely for general informational, educational, and reference purposes and is not intended for medical diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical doctor or healthcare provider for any health-related concerns, individualized diagnosis, or treatment plans.

Cancer Statistics in Hong Kong: The Need for Early Detection

According to 2022 statistics from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry under the Hospital Authority, there were 35,373 new cancer cases in Hong Kong, averaging 97 daily diagnoses. Cancer incidence rates per 100,000 population were 482 overall, with males (514) slightly higher than females (454). The top five cancers—lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and liver cancers—accounted for 58% of all new cases. Despite advancements in treatment, late-stage diagnoses remain a critical challenge, underscoring the urgent need for Early Cancer Detection strategies.

 

What is a CTC test?

The CTC test (Circulating Tumor Cell Test) is an innovative cancer screening method that detects cancer cells in the bloodstream before tumors are visible on imaging scans. This test is particularly effective for identifying cancer at its earliest stages, such as when tumors are smaller than 6 mm.

 

How is CTC test Done?

The CTC test involves a simple blood draw, where a sample is analyzed for the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells are released into the bloodstream as cancer progresses, making them a key biomarker for early detection.

 

How Accurate is the CTC test?

A 2015 study by Papasotiriou et al. demonstrated that the CTC test achieves 86.2% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity across various cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, and melanoma. This high accuracy makes it a reliable tool for Early Cancer Detection. 

 

Key Benefits of the CTC Test

 

1. Early Cancer Detection

The CTC Test can identify cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms appear or tumors are visible on imaging. This is crucial for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.

 

2. Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

By tracking CTC blood test results, doctors can assess how well a patient is responding to treatment. For example, a decrease in CTC levels often indicates successful therapy.

 

3. Personalized Cancer Therapy

The CTC Test evaluates how cancer cells respond to specific treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This information helps doctors tailor personalized treatment plans for better outcomes.

 

Who Should Consider CTC Testing?

• Individuals with a family history of cancer or elevated risk factors (e.g., smoking, obesity).
• Those seeking proactive Early Cancer Detection through advanced cancer screening methods.
• Patients undergoing cancer treatment who need to monitor their progress.

 

CTC Testing Process

1. Consultation : Review medical history and test details with a healthcare provider.
2. Blood Draw : A simple blood sample is collected.
3. Lab Analysis : Samples are processed in ISO-certified labs using advanced flow cytometry.
4.  CTC Test Report : A detailed CTC Test report is generated, highlighting the presence and quantity of circulating tumor cells.
5. Results Interpretation : Your doctor will explain the CTC Test results and recommend appropriate next steps, such as further testing or treatment adjustments.

CTC Test Price and Accessibility

• CTC Test Price: The cost typically ranges from 10,000to 20,000 HKD, depending on the provider and location.
  
• CTC Test Registration: Many hospitals and specialized clinics offer CTC Test services. You can easily register online or by contacting a healthcare provider

• CTC Test  Near Me: To find a CTC Test  facility near you, search for “CTC Test  near me” or consult your local cancer center.

The Importance of Early Cancer Detection

Early Cancer Detection is critical for improving survival rates and reducing treatment complexity. Studies show that catching cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. For example:

• Early Detection of Cancer Statistics: Patients diagnosed at an early stage have a 5-year survival rate of over 90% for many cancers.
• Does Early Detection of Cancer Save Lives?: Yes, early detection can lead to less aggressive treatments and better quality of life.

 

Future Prospects

The CTC Test  is poised to revolutionize cancer care by integrating with AI and other advanced technologies. This will enhance its accuracy and expand its applications in Early Cancer Detection and personalized treatment.

 

Conclusion

The CTC Test  is a groundbreaking tool for Early Cancer Detection, offering high accuracy, non-invasive testing, and personalized insights. Whether you’re at risk for cancer or currently undergoing treatment, the  CTC Test can provide valuable information to guide your healthcare decisions.

 

Contact us to learn more about CTC testing services.

参考资料::

• • Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2022 data).
  • Papasotiriou et al. (2015). Journal of Cancer Therapy. 
  • Cristofanilli, M., Budd, G. T., Ellis, M. J., et al. (2004). Circulating tumor cells, disease progression, and survival in metastatic breast cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine, 351(8), 781-791. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa041993
  • Nagrath, S., Sequist, L. V., Maheswaran, S., et al. (2007). Isolation of rare circulating tumour cells in cancer patients by microchip technology. Nature, 450(7173), 1235-1239. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06385
  • Pantel, K., & Alix-Panabières, C. (2010). Circulating tumor cells in cancer patients: Challenges and perspectives. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 16(9), 478-485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2010.07.001
  • Alix-Panabières, C., & Pantel, K. (2016).Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA as Liquid Biopsy.Cancer Discovery  
  • World Health Organization (WHO).Cancer: Early Diagnosis and Screening.https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/en/

 

*Disclaimer:  The content of this article is provided solely for general informational, educational, and reference purposes and is not intended for medical diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical doctor or healthcare provider for any health-related concerns, individualized diagnosis, or treatment plans.