One of the Classic Cases in the Oncology Department: Saving Lives and Rebuilding Hope
One of the Classic Cases in the Oncology Department: Saving Lives and Rebuilding Hope Department of Chemotherapy Successfully Treats Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient
As is widely recognized, cancer remains one of humanity’s most formidable health threats. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) – a highly aggressive form of lung cancer – often evades early detection due to its rapid metastasis, making curative treatment exceptionally challenging.
Yet, our Department of Chemotherapy has achieved remarkable recoveries for multiple SCLC patients. How was this accomplished? Director Wang Huijuan shares a groundbreaking case:
Diagnosis Revealed
Patient Wang, aged 58, presented in July 2018 with persistent cough and expectoration unresponsive to antibiotic and antitussive therapy at a partner hospital. Enhanced chest CT revealed confluent mediastinal lymphadenopathy (largest mass: 6.5×3.4cm in posterior mediastinum compressing the esophagus). Pathological diagnosis confirmed SCLC with immunohistochemical markers: TTF1(+), CK7(-), NapsinA(-), CD56(+), Syn(+), CgA(weak+), Ki-67(60%).
Precision Treatment Journey
After meticulous evaluation of Wang’s clinical profile and psychological needs, Director Wang designed a personalized regimen:
1.Six cycles of radical chemotherapy achieving complete remission (CR)
2.Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) considering SCLC’s high CNS metastasis risk
3.Concurrent chemoradiation (EP regimen: etoposide + cisplatin) to mediastinal high-risk lymphatic regions
4.Post-chemoradiation immunotherapy with cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy
Ongoing Health Triumph
Regular quarterly follow-ups from April 2019 to August 2022 confirmed sustained remission. Annual maintenance therapy (four cycles) continued with excellent tolerance. The patient exhibits:
● Progressive weight gain
● Normal daily activity levels
● Dramatically improved quality of life
Recent comprehensive reexamination confirms disease-free status. "The relief seldom seen on the patient and family’s faces speaks louder than any scan," noted Director Wang.
July 2-9, 2018: Initial diagnosis (External hospital records)
August 30, 2018: Post-2nd treatment cycle (Our Hospital)
December 4, 2018: Post-6th treatment cycle (Our Hospital)
February 20, 2023: 5-year post-treatment follow-up
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a type of lung cancer originating from the bronchial mucosa or glands. It is characterized by rapid progression, short natural course, early metastasis, high response rates to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, frequent recurrence, and poor prognosis. Among all lung cancer subtypes, SCLC has the lowest treatment efficacy and worst outcomes14.
The primary causative factors include:
● Smoking (major risk);
● Air pollution;
● Occupational carcinogens (e.g., asbestos, arsenic);
● Genetic factors and mutations.
Current mainstream treatments worldwide involve chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Although these therapies achieve high short-term remission rates, the overall survival remains short, averaging approximately 10 months137. Additionally, immunotherapy (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) has emerged as a promising novel approach in SCLC management2913.
Notably, the patient referenced here has safely passed 4 years, approaching 5 years, indicating clinical cure. We will continue monitoring this case and encourage others to maintain healthy lifestyles, undergo regular check-ups, and address minor health issues promptly to prevent severe complications. A robust physique empowers us to embrace each day fully5.
Introduction to Department of Chemotherapy
Established in February 2009 at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, the Department of Chemotherapy operates 46 inpatient beds under the leadership of Director Wang Huijuan, Chief Physician. Our clinical team comprises:
● 7 oncologists
● 1 Chief Physician
● 1 Associate Chief Physician
● 2 Senior Attending Physicians
● 3 Resident Physicians
The department benefits from the expertise of Prof. Zhao Da, Vice President of Lanzhou University First Hospital and Chief Oncology Consultant, who conducts regular ward rounds and academic exchanges.
Clinical Volume & Recognition
● Annual patient admissions: 1,200+ (Wuwei’s largest standardized oncology unit)
● 2013: Designated among Gansu’s first "Model Units for Standardized Cancer Pain Management"
● 2017: Gold Award at Gansu Provincial Cancer Pain Management Skills Competition
● 2017: Member Unit of Gansu Lung Cancer Prevention Alliance
● 2018: Member Unit of Lanzhou University Comprehensive Cancer Therapy Alliance
● 2019: Bronze Award at Gansu Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Competition for Lung Cancer
● 2021: Recognized as Wuwei Municipal Key Medical Discipline
● July 2022: Established as Sub-Center of Gansu Clinical Research Center for Thoracic Oncology
Advanced Treatment Modalities
Our comprehensive services include:
● Diagnosis and chemotherapy for solid tumors (neoadjuvant/adjuvant/palliative)
● Biological immunotherapy (CIK, NK cell therapies)
● Endocrine therapy
● Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
● Localized drug injection therapy
● Molecular targeted therapy & cancer immunotherapy
● Therapeutic drug monitoring (collaboration with Pharmacy Department)
Research Leadership
We actively conduct Phase III-IV drug clinical trials, providing patients access to cutting-edge therapies while advancing evidence-based medication safety and efficacy.
Contact Us
Consultation Hotline: +86 935 6988 068, +86 935 6988 063
Clinic Address: Department of Chemotherapy，Wuwei Heavy-Ion center, Wuwei Academy of Medical and Science(2nd Floor, Rehabilitation Building)