Cross‑Border Cancer‑Fighting Story: Ms. Wu from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Severe Triple‑Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Journey
Patient: Ms. Wu, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Age: 48
Diagnosis Date: 2024
Diagnosis: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with post-surgical progression; metastases to the lungs, multiple lymph nodes, and kidneys; complicated by pleural effusion, accompanied by dyspnea (shortness of breath) and facial edema.
II. Disease Progression and Local Treatment in Malaysia
Ms. Wu was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2024 and underwent surgery in Malaysia. Although she subsequently received multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, her condition continued to progress.
Follow-up examinations revealed metastases to the lungs, multiple lymph nodes, and kidneys, as well as the development of pleural effusion. The continuous accumulation of pleural fluid caused severe shortness of breath and facial swelling, leading to a steady deterioration of her physical condition.
As local treatment options were no longer able to control the disease, Ms. Wu and her family fell into despair. Through a friend, they learned about Dr. Li Xiang’s medical team in China and discovered that remote consultations could be arranged via the team’s office in Malaysia.
A Perilous Journey: When Ms. Wu set out for Guangzhou, her condition was critical. Due to safety concerns, the airline required the signing of a liability waiver before allowing her to board the flight from Johor Bahru to Guangzhou.
III. Cross-Border Travel to Guangzhou and Urgent Management of Critical Symptoms
Upon arrival at Guangzhou Airport, Dr. Li Xiang personally met Ms. Wu and her family and escorted them directly to the hospital.
On the day of admission, a procedure was immediately performed to drain the pleural fluid. Following the drainage, her shortness of breath was instantly relieved, and her overall mental and physical state improved significantly. Following a comprehensive systematic evaluation, Dr. Li Xiang’s team conducted a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation. Given the complexity of her condition—characterized by multiple metastases, pleural effusion, and facial swelling—they formulated a comprehensive treatment plan:
Precision Radiotherapy + ADC Therapy + Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy
IV. Treatment and Recovery in Guangzhou
Standardized treatment was administered according to the MDT-formulated plan:
- Precision radiotherapy to control metastatic lesions
- Systemic anti-tumor therapy using ADC drugs
- Minimally invasive interventional procedures for local lesion management
As treatment progressed, Ms. Wu’s facial swelling gradually subsided, and her overall physical condition continued to improve.
Her initial hospitalization in Guangzhou lasted two months; she returned to Malaysia for recuperation once her condition stabilized, and her health continued to improve there.
This marks her second visit to Guangzhou; she returned for interventional therapy, and the procedure went smoothly.