Gastric cancer patient: I achieved 3 years without recurrence or metastasis by adding an adjuvant therapy

Upon diagnosis, Mr. Wu immediately underwent 6 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel liposomes combined with oxaliplatin and temozolomide, which began systemic chemotherapy, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, before the implementation of local treatment methods (surgery). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can determine whether the patient is responsive to the chemotherapy regimen, provide guidance for postoperative treatment plans, reduce preoperative and intraoperative tumor metastasis, improve prognosis, shrink current lesions to achieve tumor downstaging, and maximize the preservation of normal tissues surrounding the tumor, creating better surgical conditions. This chemotherapy regimen is typically used for patients with poor differentiation and potentially poor prognosis.

In November 2018, after completing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Mr. Wu underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia, followed by 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel liposomes combined with oxaliplatin and temozolomide. Postoperative pathology revealed tumor infiltration into the muscular layer with vascular thrombi and lymph node metastasis (3/21). Vascular thrombi are a high-risk factor. Typically, tumors grow by infiltrating deep into the gastric wall, and vascular thrombi indicate that cancer cells have infiltrated deep blood vessels. Tumor cells precisely use this method to leave the primary lesion and metastasize to other sites, thus posing a higher risk of recurrence in the future.

Poor pathological differentiation, tumor infiltration into blood vessels, and lymph node metastasis all indicate a high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Mr. Wu did not want to sit idly by and wait for his death. After extensive research, Mr. Wu and his family learned about Professor Zhang Minghui's NKT technology at Tsinghua University School of Medicine through a friend's recommendation, and carefully reviewed the displayed cases of NKT cell therapy. They particularly wanted to try it to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence and delay the occurrence of recurrence/metastasis.

After reviewing Mr. Wu's medical records, Professor Zhang Minghui made the following analysis and judgment:

Image Aspects

 

Postoperative changes in gastric cancer. Abdominal CT scan reveals a low-density nodule beneath the capsule in the S8 segment of the right lobe of the liver, measuring approximately 0.4cm in diameter. There has been no significant change in size from May 2019 to October 2021. Overall, the disease has not progressed and is assessed as stable.

 

Tumor markers

 

From August 2019 to October 2021, the recheck results of CEA, CA72-4, and CA19-9 were all within normal levels. Close observation is advised.

 

Quality of Life

 

Mr. Wu's quality of life has been greatly improved. His appetite has significantly improved compared to before treatment, and the improvement in sleep quality has made his mental state very good, returning to the state before he got sick. He can work and live normally without being affected by the disease.

 

   Conclusion    Theory

 

Mr. Wu's situation is actually not uncommon, with poor pathological staging and vascular thrombi indicating a higher risk of recurrence. NKT cell immunotherapy plays an indispensable role in reducing the risk of recurrence and metastasis. It not only eliminates residual tumor cells but also strengthens the immune system. During 22 courses of treatment over 27 months, which underwent continuous changes and adjustments, Mr. Wu's multiple follow-up evaluations showed stable conditions, and his overall mental and physical well-being had systematically improved.

Scientific knowledge is provided for reference only. For individual patients, clinical treatment should prevail.                    

Review of NKT classic cases

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