Mr. Wang (pseudonym), a 73-year-old patient, is a resilient and optimistic cancer warrior. In April 2020, during a routine health checkup, he was found to have abnormal blood counts and was subsequently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Heartbreakingly, over the next three years, he was diagnosed with several solid tumors, undergoing surgeries for lung cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, kidney tumor, and prostate issues. Despite these daunting challenges, Mr. Wang remained positive and courageous, facing each treatment head-on with his family.

In September 2023, Mr. Wang was admitted to GoBroad Shanghai Liquan Hospital due to persistent high fever. Following a diagnosis of a lung infection, the medical team promptly implemented a comprehensive anti-infection treatment while concurrently administering chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. Considering his high-risk IgG-lambda type multiple myeloma (DS Stage IIIA), and aiming to achieve long-term survival and improve quality of life, the medical team, after thorough evaluation and discussion with the patient and his family, initiated CAR-T therapy (Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel) in January 2025. Thanks to the attentive care from the healthcare team, Mr. Wang was discharged in February after successfully completing his inpatient treatment.

Now, over four months into his CAR-T treatment, evaluations show that Mr. Wang has achieved VGPR (Very Good Partial Response), with significant improvement in various clinical indicators. Encouragingly, his quality of life has markedly improved: he now enjoys daily activities with ease and even travels with his family. Mr. Wang has resumed hobbies like painting and walking, leading a calm and fulfilling life.

Recently, we had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Wang and his wife. This devoted couple shared their emotional journey and treatment experiences in simple yet heartfelt words. "We hope our story can bring confidence and courage to other multiple myeloma patients, especially elderly ones," Mr. Wang said with a smile. His wife added gently, "Medicine is progressing. As long as you actively cooperate with treatment and maintain a positive mindset, there is always hope."

 

Q&A -Conversations with the Patient-

Q1: We understand you underwent four surgeries between 2020 and 2023 for lung cancer, GIST, kidney tumor, and prostate issues. Could you share your treatment journey with us?

A: In 2020, a routine check revealed abnormal blood counts. Further PET-CT scanning unexpectedly identified lung cancer. Since my hematological condition was still manageable at the time, the doctors advised prioritizing lung cancer treatment. However, by 2021, follow-ups revealed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor and a kidney tumor, both of which required surgical removal. As for the hematological disease, doctors recommended close monitoring. Additionally, I had a long-standing issue with prostate enlargement that eventually required surgery as well.

Each new diagnosis was a blow, plunging me into emotional lows. But with my family's constant support and the doctors' expert care, I recovered well from each surgery. These successes gradually strengthened my confidence and courage to battle the disease.

 

Q2: When did you begin treatment for multiple myeloma? What led you to Liquan Hospital?

A: From 2020 to 2023, my focus was mainly on the surgeries for solid tumors, while we kept monitoring the multiple myeloma. Although I was gradually recovering from the operations, my myeloma indicators remained high. Later, my daughter researched and learned from patient groups that GoBroad Shanghai Liquan Hospital had extensive experience in treating multiple myeloma. After several consultations with Dr. Su LI, we were impressed by his expertise, thoroughness, and warmth. Eventually, we decided to undergo systematic treatment for myeloma at Liquan.

 

Q3: What led you and your family to choose CAR-T therapy (Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel)? What preparations did you make?

A: At Liquan Hospital, I first received standard chemotherapy combined with targeted drugs. After some time, my condition plateaued, and I felt increasingly unwell. We considered a stem cell transplant, but due to my age, multiple comorbidities, and surgical history, my family was deeply concerned about whether I could tolerate such an intense procedure. When we were unsure how to proceed, Dr. Su assessed my condition carefully and suggested commercial CAR-T therapy. He explained its innovative advantages and potential side effects in great detail. His comprehensive guidance gave us hope in a dark time.

Although we were initially unsure about this new therapy, and had heard about possible prolonged fevers and other side effects, Dr. Su's patient explanations and encouragement gave me the courage to proceed. With my family's support, I believed I could make it through.

 

Q4: Was the 40-day stay in the laminar flow ward smooth? What experiences stood out to you?

A: Overall, it went better than I expected. While there were some discomforts, the care team managed everything well. Dr. Su and his team adjusted my treatment plan according to my condition, and symptoms like fever were quickly controlled. Even the chemo side effects were lighter than anticipated thanks to timely medication adjustments.

One touching memory is that I was hospitalized over the Spring Festival. Dr. Su, Dr. Jin, Dr. Wang, and Head Nurse Zhang frequently checked in on me. I vividly remember that before entering the sterile ward, I had a lung infection and shared the room with other febrile patients. Dr. Su quickly arranged for my early transfer to isolation, showing immense professionalism and care. The 40 days didn’t feel lonely thanks to the heartfelt attention from the staff. I was discharged on the second workday after the holiday, fully recovered for home rest and regular checkups.

 

Q5: Can you share your current lifestyle and any words for fellow patients?

A: In April, my wife and I just returned from a trip to Japan. My health has basically returned to pre-illness levels. I take extra care with personal protection and maintain a light, healthy diet. During our trip, we chose serene, scenic routes, hiring a private car to explore quiet coasts and fresh mountain areas—a rejuvenating experience.

To all patients still fighting disease: don’t be afraid or give up! Medical science advances every day. With a positive mindset and cooperation with treatment plans, recovery is within reach.

Looking back, optimism gave me the strength to overcome illness. I also found joy in painting, which helped shift my focus and boost my mood. Recently, I created a few artworks I’d love to share: lively animals symbolizing vitality, serene nature scenes reflecting hope, and blooming flowers representing life's resilience. May every patient, like me, regain health and joy under professional care and family love. Remember: the clouds will pass, and the sun will shine again.

 

Expert Perspective

Dr. Su Li (Director of Hematology and Myeloma Center, GoBroad Shanghai Liquan Hospital)

This was a high-risk elderly patient with multiple myeloma. Although initial induction therapy was effective and stem cell collection was successful, he suffered significantly from chemotherapy side effects and had low tolerance. Given his advanced age, frailty, and multiple prior surgeries, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation posed substantial risks.

Therefore, during the consolidation phase, we opted for frontline BCMA CAR-T therapy (Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel) as an alternative to transplantation. Compared to traditional autologous transplantation, BCMA CAR-T therapy offers superior efficacy. More importantly, it breaks the cycle of continuous treatment in conventional myeloma care, eliminating the need for maintenance therapy and greatly enhancing quality of life. Ultimately, the outcome met all our expectations. Mr. Wang now follows up regularly and has returned to his normal life.