Mr. Chen was a liver cancer patient and had gone through multiple embolizations (a surgical technique to shrink a tumor) and radiation therapies in China. By the end of June 2016, tumor recurrence was discovered after a PET/CT scan in China. Mr. Chen came to seek medical attention in Taiwan. Through discussion among physicians from our hospital and Dr, Lee, chief of the liver cancer treatment team at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Mr. Chen was considered a late-stage liver cancer patient. Yttrium 90 selective internal radiation therapy was suggested by Dr. Lee. Mr. Chen was admitted to our hospital for a MRI scan on August 7. The result concurred with the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. At the same time, the disease progressively invaded the portal vein. Compared with a month ago, Mr. Chen’s condition had been deteriorating. The spleen was also enlarged which had the maximum diameter of about 14.3 X 9.9 cm. The level of tumor marker exceeded the normal range. Mr. Chen hoped to receive the treatment as soon as possible after doctor’s explanation.

On August 9th, 2016, Mr. Chen was arranged to transfer to Taipei Veterans General Hospital. After a detailed pre-treatment assessment by Dr. Lee, Mr. Chen was set to receive Yttrium 90 selective internal radiation therapy on August 21st. The patient also received 6 courses of immunotherapy. He is now free of tumor and in a good condition.

Mr. Chen returned to Taipei Beitou Health Management Hospital on December 8, 2016 to undergo the painless endoscopic examination. At the end of February 2017, he made another special trip to Taipei Veterans General Hospital to express his gratitude for saving his life. (160807)