Extended survival of a patient with gastrointestinal multiple malignancies managed with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy: a case report.

Abstract

Introduction: The annual rise in gastrointestinal cancer cases is evident, yet the occurrence of multiple primary malignancies remains comparatively uncommon. In recent years, immunotherapy has swiftly emerged as the leading treatment for several solid tumors, including gastrointestinal cancers. Single treatments might be ineffective, necessitating the need for comprehensive integrative medicine.

Case description: This study reports a case of multiple cancers, including colorectal and gastric cancers. Diverse systemic treatments, like capecitabine, the combination of capecitabine and paclitaxel liposome, as well as capecitabine with toripalimab, were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, prolonged survival was attained through anti-PD-1 immunotherapy complemented by alternative medicine approaches. The patient has exceeded a 35-month survival post-initial diagnosis and 20-month survival since the subsequent diagnosis, markedly surpassing the prognosis often associated with advanced-stage multiple cancers.

Conclusion: In summary, this case underscores the potential effectiveness of a holistic, integrative medical approach in managing advanced multiple malignancies amid drug resistance and disease progression.