Pune: A 75-year-old woman from New Delhi who was suffering from advanced symptomatic lung cancer got a new lease of life at a city-based hospital recently. She received a new line of treatment which raises hope among those suffering from critical life-threatening cancer.
The patient complained of dry cough, breathlessness at rest and on walking a few steps, chest pain, low-grade fever off and on and inability to lie flat on her back. She had respiratory distress and poor oral intake for the last several months. Earlier, she was hospitalised and was suspected to have bilateral pneumonia.
Further investigation and tests indicated a cell lung cancer. On further evaluation by oncologists, it was diagnosed as advanced symptomatic lung cancer.
Dr Rakesh Chopra, Director of Medical Oncology, Hematology at BMT Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital advised the patient to opt for modern precision medicine due to her old age.
“Based on her X-ray findings, biopsy report, biomarker report, mutational status and after taking informed high-risk consent from the patient’s family, the patient was started on a single capsule of specific targeted therapy. The capsule was given initially through a Ryle’s tube and subsequently orally. Within a few weeks the patient’s clinical condition improved, she was off oxygen therapy, her X-ray showed complete clearing, she was able to walk unaided and was able to do her daily routine and is able to enjoy life,” added Dr Chopra.
