Real-Life Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment Cases and Patient Stories

A 71-year-old Chinese patient was diagnosed with liver cancer. Because the tumor was adjacent to major blood vessels and the patient was elderly and physically weak, he visited multiple hospitals over three years and was repeatedly told that surgery was not possible and that he could not tolerate chemotherapy. No effective treatment options remained. After being referred to Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, he underwent three sessions of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). He recovered smoothly after the procedures, and follow-up examinations showed that the tumor had almost disappeared, achieving clinical cure. He has now returned to his orchard and resumed normal life.

Chinese patient, diagnosed with stage IIIb lung adenocarcinoma with hilar, mediastinal, and cervical lymph node metastasis. Due to the deep and multiple locations of the tumors, and because the patient experienced no subjective symptoms, he feared open surgery and the side effects of chemotherapy and refused conventional treatment. After referral to Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, he underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the tumor-feeding arteries. He was able to get out of bed the day after the procedure, recovered well, has since returned to normal life, and is awaiting subsequent cycles of treatment.

A Chinese patient was diagnosed with liver cancer accompanied by severe bile duct obstruction, severe systemic jaundice, and a weight loss of nearly 15 kg within one month. His bilirubin level was as high as 257.50 umol/L. Because the tumor was adjacent to major blood vessels, several hospitals assessed that surgical resection would carry an excessively high risk. After being referred to UNI-ASIA Cancer Hospital, he underwent two interventional treatments. He recovered quickly after the procedures, was able to get out of bed the next day, his jaundice subsided, his weight stabilized, and he has now returned to normal life.

A Chinese patient presented with recurrent bladder cancer six years after initial surgery, accompanied by liver metastasis and abdominal aortic thrombosis. The MDT at West China Hospital recommended radical cystectomy, but the patient declined due to concerns about his physical condition. After undergoing interventional therapy at our hospital, his demeanor shifted markedly — from withdrawn and largely silent before treatment to actively engaging in conversation with his family afterward. His pain has lessened, and he now awaits the next cycle of treatment with renewed confidence.

A 60-year-old Chinese female patient underwent radical resection for colon cancer one year ago. Following surgery, she experienced multiple recurrences and pelvic metastasis, enduring repeated operations and several rounds of chemotherapy across various hospitals. Severe toxic side effects left her unable to tolerate further treatment—physically debilitated and mentally anguished. After transferring to Chengdu Huanya Hospital, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) convened and formulated an individualized arterial interventional treatment plan. Post-procedure, her symptoms improved markedly: pain subsided, her mental state brightened significantly, and both appetite and sleep were restored. Deeply satisfied with the outcome and the care she received, she voluntarily recommended the hospital to her cousin, who is battling pancreatic cancer. The cousin has since contacted Huanya Hospital and is currently undergoing a preliminary remote consultation.

A 9-year-old Chinese girl was diagnosed with a massive tumor in the second hepatic portal region of the liver. Due to its proximity to major blood vessels, multiple hospitals deemed it inoperable. Her family then brought her to Chengdu Uni-Asia Hospital, where Professor Liao Zhengyin's team, after multidisciplinary discussion, formulated a precise, minimally invasive interventional treatment plan and successfully performed the procedure. The patient adhered to regular follow-ups as advised. Imaging surveillance showed complete tumor regression, with no recurrence for 17 consecutive years and all parameters remaining normal. Today, she has graduated with honors as an outstanding university student and is now working professionally, enjoying a long-term, high-quality life.

Chinese national, 57 years old, diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic head cancer. He also has an Rh-negative blood type (commonly known as "panda blood" in China). Due to the dense vascular network surrounding the pancreatic head and the extremely high risk of intraoperative bleeding, compounded by the acute shortage of Rh-negative blood, multiple hospitals deemed surgical resection too risky. After referral to Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, Professor Liao Zhengyin's team performed an irreversible electroporation (NanoKnife) ablation procedure, using high-voltage electrical pulses to precisely destroy tumor cells without damaging vascular or other structures, resulting in nearly zero intraoperative bleeding. Follow-up imaging one day post-procedure showed a perfect ablation zone with no bleeding or complications, and the patient was discharged smoothly.

Chinese female patient, diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer for 5 years. The tumor had grown to a massive 17 cm in size, with ulceration, pus drainage, and malodor. After multiple rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at outside hospitals, she suffered severe side effects she could no longer tolerate—her hands and feet turned black, and her body was extremely weakened. After being declined by several hospitals, she learned about Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital through a short video and insisted on seeking treatment there despite her family's objections. Following evaluation by Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital 's multidisciplinary team (MDT), she underwent several sessions of arterial interventional embolization. Post-treatment, the tumor shrank from 17 cm to 7 cm, and then completely disappeared. The ulcerated surface dried and healed, and the malodor resolved. The patient recovered well and regained her confidence in life.

Chinese national, 60 years old, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The tumor was located in the deepest, most hidden recess of the pancreas, closely adjacent to and partially encasing major abdominal blood vessels. It was deemed surgically unresectable, and chemotherapy yielded poor results. After referral to Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, Professor Xiao's team performed an irreversible electroporation (NanoKnife) ablation procedure, using high-voltage electrical pulses to precisely destroy tumor cells while completely preserving the surrounding vascular and bile duct structures, with nearly zero intraoperative bleeding. Post-procedure follow-up showed a perfect ablation zone with complete tumor inactivation. The patient was discharged smoothly and has returned to normal life.

A Chinese patient, a retired dancer, presented with extensive peritoneal metastases and severe intestinal obstruction following radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) at several Grade-A tertiary hospitals in China indicated that no effective treatment could be offered.

Chinese male patient, 60 years old, diagnosed with prostate cancer. After evaluation at an outside hospital, he was told that surgery was not an option. He underwent endocrine therapy and chemotherapy but suffered severe side effects. His PSA continued to rise; he had difficulty urinating, frequent nighttime urination, pelvic pain, and an extremely poor quality of life. After being referred to Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) conducted a consultation and developed a personalized arterial interventional embolization treatment plan for him. After several sessions of interventional therapy, follow-up examinations showed significant tumor shrinkage, a sharp drop in PSA, restored normal urination, disappearance of pelvic pain, and marked improvement in energy and physical strength. He has since returned to normal life.

A 50-year-old female patient was diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. After evaluation at a local hospital, she was deemed to have no further effective treatment options. She was then referred to our hospital after multiple attempts. Our expert team held an emergency consultation and developed an interventional treatment plan. Hepatic artery infusion chemoembolization was performed. After the procedure, tumor viability decreased significantly, and the patient’s mental state and appetite improved markedly. She has since returned to her home country and is regularly followed up with scheduled re-examinations.

70 years old, retired professor from the University of Geosciences, with a 35-year history of hepatitis B. In May 2025, he was diagnosed with a massive hepatocellular carcinoma in the left lobe of the liver, measuring 12 cm in diameter, accompanied by ascites, moderate anemia, and severe liver dysfunction. After being transferred to Chengdu UNI-ASIA Hospital, Professor Liao Zhengyin’s team performed hepatic arterial angiography with infusion and embolization therapy in two sessions. Two months later, follow-up examination showed that the tumor had shrunk to 6 cm, the ascites had significantly subsided, and liver function had markedly recovered. He has now returned to normal life.

An Indonesian patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. Due to fear of open surgery leading to loss of voice and swallowing disorders, the patient refused surgical treatment. After being referred to Huanya Hospital, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the tumor-supplying arteries was performed. The day after the procedure, laryngeal swelling subsided and vocalization became clear. On the fifth day, the patient was successfully discharged with swallowing function fully restored. Subsequent local radiotherapy was administered as consolidation therapy. The patient has now returned to normal life.

Chinese female patient, 41 years old, with a solitary large mass of hepatocellular carcinoma in the right lobe of the liver. The tumor compressed the bile duct, causing severe jaundice. Due to the tumor's large size and unfavorable location, surgical resection was not possible. The patient had previously undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy at another hospital, but with poor response and severe toxic side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and bone marrow suppression, making further treatment impossible. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) at Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital conducted a consultation and performed two sessions of hepatic arterial interventional therapy after the referral. The patient recovered rapidly post-surgery, jaundice subsided, and pre- and post-treatment CT comparisons showed tumor volume reduced by over 70% with loss of viability. The patient has regained the ability to live independently and returned to her daily family life.

A Chinese patient was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma with lymph node and adrenal metastases. After radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she developed a severe rash and rapid weight loss, and her body could no longer tolerate the treatment. After coming to Chengdu UNI-ASIA Cancer Hospital, Professor Liao Zhengyin's team performed gastric tumor arterial infusion chemotherapy and embolization, delivering medication precisely through a minimally invasive puncture at the groin. The day after the procedure, she was able to get out of bed and move around. Her spirits improved significantly, she was discharged smoothly, and she returned to a peaceful life in her later years.

Chinese national, 78-year-old female, diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma presenting with systemic jaundice. After undergoing PTCD drainage at an outside hospital, her jaundice temporarily improved. However, due to the tumor's challenging location and her advanced age, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were not feasible. After referral to Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, a multidisciplinary team developed an individualized interventional plan, and she underwent two sessions of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Post-treatment, the tumor significantly shrank, bile drainage was restored, her stool color returned from clay-white to normal yellow, her appetite recovered, her mental status markedly improved, the drainage tube was removed, and she returned to a peaceful, later-life routine.

Chinese patient, 58-year-old male, diagnosed with colon cancer in late 2025 due to right upper abdominal pain, with multiple metastases to the liver and both lungs, as well as enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Already at an advanced stage with no surgical options. Underwent multiple rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at other hospitals but could not tolerate the severe side effects. The patient was extremely weak and mentally exhausted. After extensive research, he was admitted to Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, where a multidisciplinary expert team conducted an MDT consultation and developed a personalized minimally invasive tumor treatment plan. After four interventional procedures, follow-up imaging showed significant shrinkage of liver and lung metastases, with most lesions essentially disappearing. Tumor markers returned to the normal range. The patient regained physical strength; appetite and sleep improved significantly, and he has returned to normal family life.

A young Chinese female patient, after lung cancer resection, was found to have a solitary metastatic lesion in the caudate lobe of the liver. Due to its deep location and close proximity to major blood vessels, surgical resection was deemed impossible by surgeons. Subsequent radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy all failed, with the disease continuing to progress. The patient developed severe liver-area pain, her quality of life plummeted, and she was on the verge of emotional collapse. After numerous failed consultations elsewhere, she was admitted to Chengdu Uni-Asia Cancer Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team of experts, after thorough evaluation, decided to perform a high-difficulty multi-needle cryoablation procedure. Post-operatively, the ice ball perfectly covered the tumor with no intraoperative bleeding or bile leakage, and her liver pain was significantly relieved. Follow-up imaging showed complete tumor necrosis, and the patient has returned to normal life.

A 60-year-old male patient from China presented with persistent chest and back pain. Imaging revealed a tumor in the posterior mediastinum adjacent to the descending thoracic aorta. Due to the high surgical risk, the tumor was considered unresectable, while radiotherapy and chemotherapy were ineffective and poorly tolerated. After arriving at UNI-ASIA Cancer Hospital in Chengdu, he underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation under local anesthesia. The tumor was completely covered by the ice ball without injury to the nearby aorta or other complications. His pain was relieved immediately after treatment, follow-up imaging confirmed complete tumor necrosis, and he has since returned to normal daily life.

A Chinese patient diagnosed with invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder experienced repeated postoperative recurrence and multiple metastases. After undergoing several open surgeries and chemotherapy regimens, the patient's condition became physically intolerable. At the end of 2024, the patient was transferred to Chengdu Uni-Asia Hospital, where Professor Liao Zhengyin's team performed CT combined with ultrasound-guided cryoablation of the abdominal wall metastatic lesion. The patient was able to get out of bed and move around the day after the procedure, was discharged smoothly after only five days of hospitalization, and regained a peaceful life.

A 42-year-old Filipino patient was diagnosed with primary liver cancer with intrahepatic metastases and a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (stage IV), and had lost the opportunity for surgical resection. He was referred to Chengdu Uni-Asia Hospital through an international referral center. Professor Luo Xiaoping’s team first performed biliary drainage to relieve jaundice, and after his condition stabilized, carried out hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and embolization to control the tumor. After the procedure, his abdominal distension was significantly relieved; he was able to get out of bed the next day and was successfully discharged to return home.

A Vietnamese patient, 68 years old, was diagnosed with small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right lung with metastases in both lungs. She had previously undergone partial resection of the right lung and multiple rounds of chemoradiotherapy. After recurrence and metastasis left her without the option of surgery, she was referred to Chengdu Uni-Asia Hospital by an international referral center. Professor Liao Zhengyin's team performed minimally invasive interventional chemoembolization for her. She was able to get out of bed and move around the day after the procedure; her cough and shortness of breath improved significantly, and she was discharged smoothly a few days later to return home, regaining a normal life.

An Indonesian patient, 35 years old, was diagnosed with postoperative recurrence of nasopharyngeal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with invasion of the orbit. A second surgery carried extremely high risks. After a remote consultation, she was transferred to UNI-ASIA Cancer Hospital in Chengdu. Professor Liao Zhengyin's team performed arterial infusion chemotherapy and embolization targeting the blood supply to the orbital tumor. Later, iodine-125 radioactive seeds were implanted at the Zigong campus. After treatment, the swelling, pain, redness, and inflammation around her eye subsided significantly; her eyeball was successfully preserved, and she regained confidence in life.

A Chinese patient was diagnosed with liver cancer accompanied by metastasis to the C3 cervical vertebra and a pathological fracture. On admission, he had severe neck pain and markedly limited movement. The Uni-Asia team first performed cervical vertebroplasty to stabilize the vertebra and relieve pain, and on the following day performed transarterial chemoembolization of the hepatic artery to control the intrahepatic tumor. After surgery, his pain was significantly relieved; he was able to get out of his wheelchair and walk, and he was in good spirits at discharge.

A 38-year-old female patient from China underwent tumor resection for lung cancer. During follow-up, an isolated metastasis was discovered in the caudate lobe of the liver. This deeply seated location, tightly adjacent to major blood vessels, was deemed unresectable by surgical evaluation. Subsequent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy failed to control the disease, and the tumor continued to progress. The patient experienced severe pain, intractable nausea and vomiting, severely limited food intake, and a drastic decline in quality of life. At the point of near desperation, the patient was transferred to Chengdu Uni-Asia Hospital. A multidisciplinary team including Professors Liao Zhengyin, Zhang Jinshan, Xiao Yueyong and others conducted a comprehensive reassessment and decided to perform CT-guided multi-needle cryoablation. During the procedure, the ice ball perfectly covered the lesion without bleeding or complications. Two weeks post-surgery, MRI confirmed complete tumor necrosis. Pain was significantly relieved, nausea and vomiting disappeared, appetite returned, and life gradually normalized. This case fully demonstrates the unique value of minimally invasive interventional techniques in managing refractory tumors in difficult locations.