After enduring two cancer misdiagnoses, Mr H.G.T.’s health had severely declined from undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and frequent emergency hospitalisations for blood transfusions. During a critical admission to FV Hospital, doctors correctly identified his condition as a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). Thanks to two years of targeted therapy, Mr T. has now returned to a normal life.
His family is overjoyed and deeply grateful for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, which they believe has given Mr T. a second chance at life.
Mr T. regained stable health after two years of cancer treatment at FV Hospital
Nearly Lost His Life Due to Two Cancer Misdiagnoses
In May 2021, during a routine health check-up at a private hospital, Mr H.G.T. was shocked to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, after undergoing chemotherapy, his body became severely weakened.
His family then sought help from another hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with adrenal gland cancer that had metastasized to the liver. Once again, chemotherapy was prescribed; however, his body failed to respond to the treatment. This led to further physical deterioration, significant blood loss, and prolonged anaemia, leaving him in frequent need of emergency blood transfusions.
The patient was rushed to FV Hospital for emergency care
By August 2022, Mr T.’s condition had worsened significantly. His family, clinging to a sliver of hope, rushed him to FV Hospital in a fragile state.
Based on the examination results, Dr Vo Kim Dien from the Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre noted that Mr T. was suffering from severe anaemia. While normal haemoglobin levels range from 12.5 to 17.5, his levels were alarmingly low at 7-8, occasionally dropping to 5-6. Suspecting gastrointestinal bleeding, Dr Diem ordered imaging scans and conducted a comprehensive examination to identify the cause.
“The imaging results revealed that the patient’s prostate was normal. However, upon reviewing the scans, I identified a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) measuring 90mm in the lower oesophagus. The cancer had metastasized to the liver, where the tumour measured up to 120mm,” said Dr Dien.
Additionally, Mr T. was diagnosed with gastric mucosal bleeding and chronic kidney failure, both of which contributed to his anaemia. However, the primary reason for his frequent need for emergency blood transfusions was the gastrointestinal stromal tumour.
The digestive tract is structured like a muscular tube, with an outer mucosa layer, an underlying submucosa layer, and outer rings comprised of muscular layers. Dr Dien explained that most gastrointestinal cancers arise from cells in the mucosa and muscular layers, which can complicate diagnosis and often result in incorrect treatments.
Targeted Therapy: Effectively Shrinks GIST Tumours, Eliminating the Need for Surgery
Drawing from his experience in treating GIST tumours, Dr Vo Kim Dien explained that surgery is typically recommended if the cancer has not metastasized. However, in Mr T’s case as the cancer had already spread, surgery was not an option, making targeted therapy the preferred treatment.
“Targeted therapy works by targeting independent cells, selectively attacking cancer cells while minimally affecting healthy cells. This type of treatment is not new, but it remains the optimal choice to this day,” Dr Dien explained.
Dr Dien conducted a follow-up examination for the patient
Since August 2022, Mr T. has been undergoing daily targeted therapy with follow-up exams every two months. His health gradually improved, demonstrating a positive response to treatment. To manage his chronic kidney failure, he was also monitored by a nephrologist. After two years, imaging results revealed significant progress, the oesophageal tumour had shrunk from 90mm to 15mm, while the liver tumour had reduced from 120mm to 49mm. Mr T. continues to take medication to control the tumours effectively.
During his follow-up at FV, Mr T. shared his delight in his significantly improved health. His daughter, Ms H.T.P.T., remarked: “At other hospitals, the misdiagnosis led to treatments that only worsened his condition. At FV, they diagnosed the right condition and provided proper treatment. When my father was admitted, he was in a critical condition and unable to move, but now he can live independently. It’s like he has truly been ‘reborn’!”
Signs to Help Detect Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs)
According to annual statistics in the United States, 4,000 to 6,000 cases of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) are diagnosed each year. Among them, approximately 60% occur in the stomach, and around 30% are found in the small intestine. GISTs in the oesophagus, as in the case of Mr. T, are extremely rare, accounting for only 0.7%.
Illustration of GIST tumour, a type of tumour that occurs in the digestive tract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) often develop silently, with noticeable symptoms such as difficulty swallowing emerging only as the tumour grows larger. Tumours in the mucosal layer may cause swallowing difficulties earlier, whereas those beneath the mucosa tend to show symptoms later. Dr Dien advises individuals experiencing symptoms like difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, unexplained fatigue, prolonged anaemia, or bleeding to seek medical attention promptly.
“If detected early and if the lesion is still localized, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 93%. However, if the tumour has spread to other organs, the 5-year survival rate decreases to 55%,” Dr Dien stated.
For treatment inquiries regarding gastrointestinal stromal tumours or other types of cancer, readers can contact the Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre at FV Hospital by calling (028) 54 11 33 33.
