Ragnhild Vigdis Langli, a 70-year-old woman, faced a grim prognosis just months ago when diagnosed with aggressive metastatic bowel cancer. Initially planning her funeral and contemplating the end of her life, Langli’s outlook transformed following a groundbreaking chemotherapy treatment tailored specifically for her condition. After undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, her cancer has been reduced by half, allowing her to dream of a future filled with more time spent in her garden and with loved ones.
Langli’s journey began in spring when she received the diagnosis, revealing that the cancer had spread beyond her colon to her liver and lymph nodes. Fortunately, she was accepted into a research project at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), becoming the first patient at St. Olavs Hospital to receive chemotherapy selected through a novel laboratory test designed specifically for bowel cancer.
Personalized Treatment for Metastatic Bowel Cancer
This pioneering approach aims to enhance the quality of life for patients with metastatic bowel cancer, even if it cannot cure the disease. Langli expressed her hopes, stating, “I hope I can live a little longer. A few more years, not just days. My Christmas wish this year is that the cancer recedes even more.”
Dr. Åsmund Flobak, senior consultant at St. Olavs Hospital and a professor at NTNU, emphasizes the severity of chemotherapy, noting that it affects rapidly growing cells in the body, including hair follicles and the immune system. “Chemotherapy is a very harsh treatment,” he said, highlighting that many patients endure hospital admissions not only due to their illness but also due to treatment side effects.
With cancer being the most common cause of death in Norway, Flobak is committed to advancing treatment for bowel cancer, which has one of the highest incidences in the country. His team is conducting extensive research to identify the most effective chemotherapy options for patients like Langli.
Advancements in Cancer Research
Flobak has developed a catalog of cancer cells from over a hundred patients, enabling researchers to test various chemotherapy types and doses on tumor samples. “Patients with incurable metastatic bowel cancer receive two types of chemotherapy. No one currently knows which one works best,” he explained. The goal is to eliminate the trial-and-error approach that often delays effective treatment.
Langli has found the chemotherapy manageable, stating, “I feel so much better now than before I started.” Although she has experienced weight loss and some hair loss, she has regained her appetite and even started exercising again. Her journey reflects the potential for improved treatment paths in oncology.
Currently, there are three categories of patients being treated at St. Olavs Hospital: those with operable bowel cancer, those requiring chemotherapy alongside surgery, and those with incurable metastatic bowel cancer who are solely receiving chemotherapy. Flobak’s research aims to include 133 patients in the current study, with several already participating.
As the research advances into its next stages, including the integration of artificial intelligence to tailor treatments further, Langli’s experience serves as a beacon of hope. Flobak, who finds it challenging to inform patients of their incurable status, is motivated by the prospect of delivering the best possible care and advancing cancer treatment for future generations.
“This area of research is known as precision medicine,” he noted. The ongoing studies, including the PRESORT study and the COSENSE-1 study, are collaborative efforts involving St. Olavs Hospital, NTNU, and the Research Area of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine at SINTEF, all aimed at refining cancer treatment protocols.
Langli’s story highlights the profound impact of personalized medicine, offering not just hope for longevity but also a better quality of life for patients facing terminal diagnoses.
