A new approach to chemotherapy is offering renewed hope for patients with incurable cancers. Ragnhild Vigdis Langli, a 70-year-old woman from Norway, has experienced a remarkable turnaround in her health after participating in a groundbreaking research project at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Just months ago, Langli was planning her own funeral, having been diagnosed with aggressive metastatic bowel cancer. Now, following tailored chemotherapy treatments, her cancer has been reduced by half.
Langli’s journey began when she received the devastating news of her condition, which included tumors in her colon, liver, and lymph nodes. The prognosis was grim, but she was offered a chance to participate in an innovative study aimed at selecting the most effective chemotherapy through laboratory tests on her cancer cells. This initiative is part of a larger effort at St. Olavs Hospital to improve treatment options and provide patients with a better quality of life.
Advancements in Chemotherapy Selection
At St. Olavs Hospital, Langli became the first patient to receive chemotherapy identified through a new laboratory test specifically designed for bowel cancer. The treatment aims to prolong life and improve the quality of daily activities, allowing patients like Langli to enjoy simple pleasures such as coffee with loved ones and afternoon crossword puzzles.
Dr. Åsmund Flobak, a senior consultant at St. Olavs Hospital and professor at NTNU, is leading the research initiative. He emphasized that while the chemotherapy may not be a cure, it can significantly enhance the remaining time patients have. “Chemotherapy is a very harsh treatment,” Flobak explained, noting that it affects rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells, hair follicles, and the immune system. This often results in patients feeling unwell, requiring hospital admissions for supportive care rather than directly due to cancer progression.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reports that cancer is the leading cause of death in Norway, with bowel cancer being particularly prevalent. Flobak’s research focuses on this area, as Norway has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer globally. His team has created a comprehensive catalog of cancer cells from over a hundred patients, allowing for a more personalized approach to treatment.
Personalized Treatment and Future Research
The research seeks to eliminate the trial-and-error method currently used in chemotherapy selection, which often delays effective treatment for patients. By utilizing the catalog of cancer cells, Flobak and his team can identify which chemotherapy options are most likely to succeed based on individual patient profiles.
Langli has found her current chemotherapy regimen manageable. “I wasn’t very optimistic at first, but I feel so happy when things go well,” she shared. Despite some side effects, including hair loss and weight loss, she has regained her appetite and begun exercising again.
The ongoing research project aims to enroll 133 patients in total. Currently, three patients have been invited to participate, all of whom have accepted. The next phase of the research will incorporate artificial intelligence to further enhance treatment selection. Flobak expressed his commitment to improving patient outcomes, stating, “It is comforting to know that we are working to ensure each individual gets the best possible treatment currently available.”
This pioneering research is part of a broader trend in precision medicine, with NTNU focusing on personalized treatment approaches. The ongoing initiatives include the PRESORT study, which catalogs cancer cells, and the COSENSE-1 study, which develops personalized treatment protocols.
As Langli continues her journey, she remains hopeful. “My Christmas wish this year is that the cancer recedes even more,” she said, reflecting the determination and resilience that defines her experience.
