Client Story
Early detection turns a dire prognosis into a curable outcome.
A 62-year-old male client established services with PHM for access to comprehensive, personalized healthcare support. He had a history of rectal cancer. His PHM Personal Care Team began with an initial engagement to set a comprehensive surveillance plan.
PHM recommended personalized circulating tumor DNA monitoring every six months.
A monitoring result indicated a potential recurrence while the client remained completely asymptomatic. An initial PET scan did not reveal any issues.However, a repeat test showed a significant spike. PHM advocated for repeat imaging, which revealed increased metabolic activity at the coloanal anastomosis from the previous rectal tumor resection and the rapid onset of two metastases in the right liver. Given the astonishing rate of growth, if this recurrence were not detected before symptoms arose, he likely would have been found with widely metastatic aggressive disease and treated with palliative chemotherapy. Instead, he was able to receive neoadjuvant therapy and proceed to surgical resection.
He is recovering nicely and completing adjuvant therapy. PHM continues to support his recovery and monitor diligently given high risk of recurrence. The adoption of ctDNA monitoring for molecular residual disease enabled the early detection of an aggressive cancer recurrence while the patient’s condition remained fully resectable. PHM’s diverse offerings seamlessly integrated to address all of this gentleman’s needs with the high level of service required for his intense situation.
Private Health Management’s Personal Care Team helps you navigate the toughest health conditions confidently. Learn more about our expert guidance of colorectal cancer here.
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