KUALA LUMPUR 7 September 2026, (The Capital Post) – New Malaysian clinical evidence is strengthening the case for specialised nutrition as an important component of cancer care, following the publication of a local study examining the use of immunonutrition among patients undergoing cancer surgery.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Supportive Care in Cancer, involved 110 patients with gynaecological cancer undergoing surgery at the National Cancer Institute under an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme. Researchers compared perioperative immunonutrition with standard nutritional care and reported improved clinical outcomes among patients receiving the specialised nutritional intervention.
The findings included shorter hospital stays, faster recovery of gastrointestinal function, improved wound healing, and better preservation of nutritional and functional status. Patients receiving immunonutrition also recorded healthier inflammatory profiles, while no hospital readmissions were reported within 30 days following surgery.
The intervention examined in the study was Valens Onthera+, a specialised immunonutrition formula developed in Malaysia. The findings provide local clinical evidence on the potential role of perioperative immunonutrition in cancer care, complementing international research and clinical guidelines supporting its use for selected patients undergoing major surgery.
The study comes amid growing awareness of the nutritional challenges faced by cancer patients. An estimated 40% to 80% of cancer patients experience malnutrition during their treatment journey, potentially affecting strength, recovery and quality of life.
To improve access to specialised nutritional support, Pharm-D Health Science Berhad and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) have introduced the Valens Onthera+ “1,000 Cans of Hope” initiative. Launched during the Psychosocial Support Summit held alongside National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2026, the programme will provide 1,000 cans of the specialised formula to eligible cancer patients identified through NCSM.
Recipients will undergo nutritional assessments and consultations with NCSM clinical dietitians to determine their individual nutritional requirements and clinical suitability for the programme.
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Pharm-D Health Science Berhad Group Managing Director Wong Chin Cheang said the initiative reflects the organisation’s broader objective of positioning nutrition as an integral part of comprehensive cancer care, rather than treating it as an afterthought during treatment.
He said the programme builds on the VALENS Support Fund, a cancer corporate social responsibility initiative jointly established by Pharm-D Health Science Berhad and NCSM and launched on World Cancer Day 2026.
NCSM Managing Director Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said nutritional difficulties remain among the less visible but significant challenges experienced by cancer patients, particularly as they deal with treatment, weight loss and reduced physical strength.
He said combining professional nutritional assessment with access to specialised immunonutrition could help patients better manage their nutritional needs while focusing on recovery and maintaining their quality of life.
The organisations said the “1,000 Cans of Hope” initiative is intended to serve as part of a wider effort to promote holistic cancer care in Malaysia. Beyond nutritional assistance, the VALENS Support Fund also incorporates patient and caregiver education, community outreach and nutritional awareness programmes.
For cancer patient Puan Suzana, who experienced difficulties eating and swallowing during treatment, access to specialised nutritional support provided an additional source of strength while reinforcing the importance of caring for her nutritional needs throughout her recovery. – The Capital Post
