A Beacon of Hope: The Story of Immunotherapy Success in Colaba
In January 2024, Susan, an Indian descent and a resident of an island nation, was treated for Squamous cell Carcinoma of the Tongue, i.e. cancer on the lining of her tongue, at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Hospital, Colaba, by a team of experts. The team was led by Dr Sachin Trivedi, Medical Oncologist; and included Dr Bhavin Visariya, Radiation Oncologist and Dr Akash Tiwari, Head and Neck Surgeon. Susan was diagnosed in New Zealand and had reached out to HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Hospital, Colaba for the treatment.
The 31-year-old Susan was having trouble speaking and swallowing and was also vomiting blood. The doctors at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Hospital, Colaba, conducted a detailed scan of her neck and chest which showed that there was a lump present on the right side of her tongue and extended out to the middle and back of the throat. This growth affected the surrounding muscles and was compressing the windpipe in the throat.
The scan also highlighted several swollen glands under her jaw in the neck region . On further examining the scan reports, doctors found that the patient had advanced cancer on the right side of her tongue which could not be treated by surgery. Recognizing the seriousness of her situation, the efficient team of doctors at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Hospital, Colaba, decided to follow a personlised systemic therapy approach wherein she was treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is a treatment wherein an individual’s own immune system is used to fight cancer. It can play a vital role in the treatment of oral cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancer etc. It improves long term survival chances by preventing cancer cells from spreading further and recharges the immune system to help continue fighting cancer even after the treatment has stopped. Another advantage of immunotherapy is that on average, a patient experiences lesser severe side effects than those associated with traditional treatments for cancer.
The combination of doctors’ expertise, world class technology, and immunotherapy produced a promising result wherein the patient’s cancer showed a dramatic response to treatment. There was a near total radiological response to treatment with less than 10% of cancer bulk was visible after just one cycle of treatment
Dr. Sachin Trivedi, the Director of Medical Oncology at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Hospital, Colaba, who led the team of doctors in this case, said, “It was one of the most complicated cases that we had handled due the immune related toxicties the nature and extent of her disease and associated medical problems. The cancer had reached an advanced stage and immediate treatment was of utmost importance. If not attended to on time, it could have become life threatening. We had to treat the patient with paramount care and precision. The advancements in medical technology along with treatments like immunotherapy played a pivotal role in timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This is a remarkable case which displays the power of medicine, technology and expertise to bring quick positive results within just one cycle of treatment.”
Susan, who was discharged from the hospital in June 2024, said “I have been given a second chance at life and for that I am grateful. Surviving cancer has taught me a whole lot about the power of hope and resilience and I will carry these lessons with me forever. Going forward I will live my life with joy and to the fullest. I am thankful to the medical team at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Hospital, Colaba, they stood by me throughout my recovery and were constant source of encouragement and comfort.”
Susan has made a full recovery and will have completion radiotherapy back home after which she can resume her normal life.