Traveling from India to Guangzhou, China, across thousands of kilometers, Ben (a pseudonym) formed a strong bond with the medical team at Fuda Cancer Hospital. She remarked, "The technology here is advanced, the people are wonderful, and everything has been worth it."
Chest and Back Pain with Persistent Cough Leads to Lung Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis
Ben, a woman in her fifties from India, began experiencing chest and back pain, accompanied by a persistent cough in early 2018. A medical examination at a local hospital revealed an abnormal mass in her left lung. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis—left lung adenocarcinoma. Following her doctor's advice, Ben underwent four cycles of chemotherapy. Although the tumor shrank, Ben and her family were not fully satisfied. They sought a treatment option that promised long-term efficacy with minimal side effects.
Seeking Treatment in China
Determined to find a better solution, Ben and her family extensively researched treatment guidelines and consulted multiple medical experts. Their search led them to Dr. Anup Aboti at the Indian office of Fuda Cancer Hospital, and in June 2018, Ben traveled to Guangzhou, China, to seek treatment at Fuda.
After a thorough examination, Ben was found to have a 3.0×2.2 cm mass in the apical-posterior segment of her left lung, near the mediastinum, with pleural adhesions. Considering her medical history and previous treatments, the hospital's medical team devised a localized palliative treatment plan. The plan included cryoablation and iodine-125 seed implantation for the left lung tumor, followed by interventional chemotherapy to eliminate residual lesions and control the risk of metastasis.
The medical team carefully explained the rationale behind this treatment approach to Ben and her family, addressing all their concerns. Although these treatment methods were unfamiliar in India, Ben felt reassured and confident after learning about them.
Ben’s Treatment back in 2018
In mid-June 2018, Ben began treatment. By late July of the same year, follow-up examinations revealed that her tumor markers had returned to normal levels, and no significant tumor activity was detected in her left lung. To consolidate the treatment effects, she continued intravenous chemotherapy in India until 2019. Multiple follow-up examinations thereafter indicated stable disease status.
Returning to Fuda: A Matter of Trust
Just when Ben thought she could finally relax, a follow-up examination in November 2024 revealed tumor activity in her left lung. Additionally, a mass appeared in her right cerebellum, accompanied by mild peritumoral edema, suggesting possible metastasis. Following her local doctor's recommendation, she underwent radiotherapy for the brain tumor.
However, Ben remained steadfast in her trust in Fuda Cancer Hospital. "I must go back to China, to Fuda," she insisted. Unlike conventional treatment methods, Fuda specializes in minimally invasive tumor ablation techniques that effectively combat cancer while minimizing pain and side effects. This was exactly the type of treatment she sought. In early 2025, she returned to Fuda for the fourth time. Walking through the familiar hospital corridors with her husband, carrying her medical records, everything—the environment, the people—felt just as she remembered.
Given her diagnosis of recurrent lung adenocarcinoma with confirmed lymph node and brain metastases, a multidisciplinary team at Fuda formulated a comprehensive treatment plan. Ben underwent another iodine-125 seed implantation for her left lung tumor, followed by targeted therapy and interventional arterial infusion chemotherapy. These treatments aimed to further control the lung tumor and reduce the overall tumor burden.
A Grateful Heart
Currently, Ben's overall condition remains stable. Filled with gratitude, she and her husband wrote a heartfelt letter to express their appreciation. In their letter, they praised the Fuda medical team:
"The doctors and nurses at Fuda Cancer Hospital work with the precision and discipline of a highly trained military unit—meticulous and efficient. Dr. Niu Lizhi, Dr. Long Xinan, and Dr. Li Chunli are exceptionally skilled professionals who crafted a tailored treatment plan based on my condition. Head nurse Li Yanhong led a dedicated team that provided warm, professional, and patient-centered care from admission to discharge, helping me recover and easing my fears and anxiety."
