Stage III Pancreatic Cancer Patient Beats Odds with New Tech

An 83-year-old grandfather was surprised by a Stage III pancreatic cancer diagnosis in May 2025. Initially experiencing only hip pain, he was unaware of the aggressive disease until an MRI revealed the extent of his condition. Standard treatments, including chemotherapy, presented severe side effects, significantly impacting his quality of life. He struggled with pain, weight loss, and an inability to leave his home.

His case was presented to an expert panel at Miami Cancer Institute, leading to his enrollment in a clinical trial. The trial tested the RenovoCath system from RenovoRX, a device designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor via a catheter. This method aims to increase drug concentration at the cancer site while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body, thereby reducing side effects.

Following initial treatment cycles, including chemotherapy and radiation, Salcedo became eligible for the catheter delivery method. He received treatment every other week for four months. He reported a dramatic improvement, feeling well the day after treatments and experiencing no nausea or pain. This precision delivery stabilized his cancer, preventing further progression and improving his overall well-being.

One year after his diagnosis, Salcedo's cancer remains stable, with no spread to other organs. This unexpected extension of life has allowed him to enjoy significant family events, like traveling to Colombia for a nephew's wedding and dancing throughout the night. While acknowledging the poor prognosis of Stage III pancreatic cancer, his family views these extra months as a precious gift, marked by his regained energy and improved quality of life.