A lump the size of a yellow bean turned out to be stage IV breast cancer? This patient is about to complete 5 years on this regimen

In 2021year8 month, Ms. Wang felt that the lump in her left breast had slightly grown larger, so she went to the hospital for a breast B ultrasound. The results indicated: a solid mass measuring 10x12x13mm at the 10 o'clock position in her left breast, with a BI-RADS 5 classification, highly suggestive of cancer, accompanied by suspicious metastatic lymph nodes in the axillary and internal mammary regions.

Biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma.

SPECTbone imaging revealed definite bone metastasis in the right 6thcostovertebral segment, T9vertebral body; T10–12vertebral body with increased bone metabolism, suspicious of metastasis.

At this point, Ms. Wang was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.

Contrary to the common perception that "judges the severity based on the size", the staging of breast cancer does not depend on the visible size of the tumor, but rather on the biological behavior of the tumor.

For breast cancer subtypes with strong aggressiveness, they are prone to metastasize to bones, liver, lungs, and other sites through the blood or lymphatic system in the early stage. In the TNM staging system, the assessment is based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. Even if the primary tumor is very small, like the one described in the article, which is only the size of a soybean, it can still be classified as stage IV breast cancer if it has accompanied lymph node and distant metastasis, and the cancer cells have spread to the bones. This also serves as a reminder that not only large tumors are cancerous. If you suddenly notice an unknown lump in your breast, regardless of its size, you should seek medical attention for investigation and early intervention

1、 Breaking through the standard treatment platform period

Although the current plan can inhibit the progression of the disease, the increased metabolism of bone metastases suggests the presence of active tumor foci or dormant cancer cells, indicating that existing treatments only "stop" the disease, but cannot completely eliminate residual cancer cells. There is no answer in textbooks to better control the condition! Cancer originates from the breakdown of the immune system, and in order to achieve long-term stability or even cure, it is necessary for the immune system to complete the final outcome.

2、 Low risk, high potential

Ms. Wang has received multiple treatments such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, capecitabine adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and abamectin. If she wants to further improve the treatment effect, the space for traditional treatment is already very small. If the treatment intensity is forcibly increased, the damage to the patient may be greater than the benefits. At this time, the advantages of vNKT cell immunotherapy become apparent. These cells are naturally present in the human body, but they are artificially expanded and activated to enhance their anti-tumor capabilities. They can be used sequentially with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy to eliminate residual cancer cells with almost no side effects.

3, it is in line with the optimal window period for immunotherapy.

After undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, Ms. Wang is in a window period with low tumor burden. Immunotherapy, as the supporting force in cancer treatment, is introduced at this time to precisely clear residual cancer cells, relieve immune suppression, and restore a healthy immune environment at the optimal time.

Her proactive approach was rewarded. In 2023year10month, she entered vNKTtreatmentfor 3months. Upon follow-up bone scan, T9vertebral body showed increased metabolic activity with reduced density. Subsequently, from 2024to 2025, the bone metastasis also stabilized without progression for a long period of time.

No new metastatic lesions were found in other sites, and tumor markers remained normal. Ms. Wang's heart, which had been hanging in the balance, finally eased down

. After undergoingvNKTtreatment, her condition remained stable for 2.5years without progression. This even enabled her to overcome her fear of advanced breast cancer and regain her confidence in life, starting to aspire for longer-term life goals.

Looking back at the success of the princess, it is not due to any kind of “magic drug”, but rather within the scientific system, daring to try cutting-edge technologies at the right time, forming a synergistic effect with standard treatment, which has led to her "five-year survival formula":

At the same time, Ms. Wang's experience has also broken two misconceptions for other patients with advanced cancer:

Misconception ①: Advanced cancer does not mean giving up treatment.

Misconception②: When conventional treatments hit a dead end, exploring new approaches such as immunotherapy through scientific research may bring about a qualitative change for you.

The progress of medicine is not only limited to waiting for the launch of new drugs, but also lies in how to combine existing weapons and introduce new variables at the right time.

Light up hope, click on the image below to find Professor Zhang Minghui's team

 

Written by: Chá Lǐ Sī

Reviewed by: Lehe New Medical Department
 

Layout: JOJO  

 

 

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