In February 2024, 32-year-old Mr. Ma (pseudonym) visited a local hospital due to abdominal discomfort. A colonoscopy revealed colorectal polyps. At the time, he assumed it was a minor issue, unaware that this would mark the beginning of a life-altering journey. Just two months later, his symptoms worsened significantly: persistent abdominal pain and increasing abdominal girth. On May 9, an enhanced CT scan revealed alarming findings—thickening of the terminal ileum with soft tissue masses, metastases across the diaphragm, peritoneum, and mesentery, and fluid accumulation in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The diagnosis: advanced malignant tumor with widespread metastases.
During the last week of May 2024, on a recommendation from fellow patients, Mr. Ma traveled to Shanghai GoBroad Cancer Hospital and registered with Professor Yang YAO, leader of the bone and soft tissue sarcoma program at GoBroad Healthcare Group. By then, it had been 21 days since he was diagnosed with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma with extensive metastasis. Wearing an abdominal drainage bag, he entered the hospital with cautious steps.
Treatment Begins: From Diagnosis to Initial Control
Under Professor Yao's direction, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) was quickly assembled, including Professor Changxing LV (Director of Radiation Oncology) and Dr. Ming GUAN (Director of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors). Based on comprehensive evaluations and thorough discussions with Mr. Ma's family, the team designed a treatment plan combining chemotherapy, peritoneal perfusion, and localized radiotherapy. The goal was to control the disease across eight cycles of treatment.
The chemotherapy regimen was physically demanding. Mr. Ma experienced significant side effects and discomfort, but he persevered and completed every cycle on schedule.
On day 189, follow-up imaging in December 2024 showed remarkable results: the tumor had shrunk significantly. The initial 12-centimeter lesion was no longer visible on scans, indicating preliminary treatment success.
Coordinated Treatment: The Need for Precise Planning
According to Professor Yao, although the current results are encouraging, cancer treatment is a systematic process. Any delay can jeopardize the overall outcome. Tumors may develop resistance, and if not promptly controlled, may progress again. After the ninth chemotherapy session, the MDT continued their coordination, arranging radiotherapy for the retroperitoneal region to maintain therapeutic momentum and systemic control.
The most recent follow-up showed no signs of recurrence or metastasis in the abdominal cavity. Although a solitary lesion was detected in the chest wall, it is currently being addressed under medical guidance.
Current Status: A Life in Gradual Recovery
Mr. Ma's health has improved significantly. His mental state is stable, and his ability to communicate and participate in daily activities has greatly increased. His family recalls their initial despair at the diagnosis and the pessimism of local doctors. However, Mr. Ma never let his emotions waver. Since beginning treatment at GoBroad, his condition has steadily improved, and his outlook has grown more hopeful.
His family shared: "We didn't dare to hope too much at first, but things are getting better every day. The visible changes have restored our confidence."
Mr. Ma's story is a powerful individual example in the realm of cancer treatment. It highlights that timely intervention, strategic planning, and multidisciplinary cooperation are essential. Even in the face of complex disease, personalized precision treatment can bring meaningful progress. We hope that every patient, with the help of a dedicated medical team, can move forward with confidence and strength.
