“I see Luis as a true hero. Thanks to his efforts and determination, this treatment is now available in Mexico, benefiting many patients and helping them in their fight against neuroendocrine tumours.”
Cecilia Carreras, Nuclear medicine practitioner in Mexico.
Luis’s Journey with Neuroendocrine Tumours: Bringing Lu-177 Treatment to Mexico
“In 2011, feeling very unwell, my wife took me to the hospital, suspecting hepatitis. Instead, I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumours in my pancreas and liver. The news was shocking. The doctor gave me a 3% chance of survival indicating that my chances were very weak. Even so, I took my chances: 3% is better than 0, isn’t it? Surgery was the best option and I had the Whipple procedure*, which went well.
During my 35-day recovery on morphine, I stayed positive, visualizing healing energies. This mindset helped me cope with the physical challenges.
For my liver, a risky surgical intervention became necessary after initial attempts at embolization failed. Luckily, the surgery was successful. After losing weight and muscle mass, I regained my strength through months of rehabilitation and gym sessions.
In 2013, a PET scan showed five tumours in my liver. Doctors informed me that surgery was no longer possible because the tumours were located in different parts of the liver. They suggested exploring other treatment options available worldwide.
“I was determined to make it accessible in Mexico so that Mexican patients could benefit from it.”
This is when I met Dr Cecilia Carreras, Nuclear medicine practitioner in Mexico, who had just returned from Germany. She informed me about a new product called Lutetium-177 Dotatate for treating these tumours, back then only available in Germany. Instead of going there, I was determined to make it accessible in Mexico so that Mexican patients could benefit from it. We rallied support from local foundations and the National Institute of Nuclear Energy, and successfully brought Lu-177 to Mexico. I received the treatment, and within three months, it had reduced my tumors to a molecular level.
I remained cancer-free for six years until the cancer appeared in my kidney. So, I discussed with Dr Carreras about bringing in the Lu-177 again and we started the procedures. Unfortunately it did not have the same effect as the first cycle. We then reverted to surgery, but could not eradicate it. But still, over the next five years, there was no growth or activity detected in the tumours; they remained stable. I spoke with my doctor about this, realizing that rather than destroying the tumours, our focus should be on controlling them.
In 2023, I celebrated ten years of survival since my first Lu-177 treatment. Currently, the tumours are inactive, and I feel healthy and full of energy. The cancer is dormant, allowing me to live my life with optimism.
My advice to others facing similar challenges: never lose hope. Trust in medical advancements and treatments being developed worldwide. Embrace life with positivity and happiness, as every day is a gift.”
“We always supported Luis in his decisions. He is incredibly strong. We accepted all the doctors’ recommendations, viewing this journey as a battle with its ups and downs. We tried various treatments to improve Luis’ quality of life, and for many years, the cancer stayed away. Our experience with Lutetium made a significant difference in our lives.”
Angeles, Luis’ wife.
*The Whipple procedure is an operation to treat tumours and other conditions in the pancreas, small intestine and bile ducts. It involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct. Also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy (sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/whipple-procedure/about/pac-20385054)
Radioligand Therapy is a life-saving treatment option for NET and Prostate cancer. However, its access is deeply unequal around the world. If you are a patient living with cancer, ask your doctor for your options.
Connecting Healthcare Professionals with Radioisotope Suppliers willing to donate doses.