Ragnhild Vigdis Langli, a 70-year-old resident of Harstad, Norway, recently faced a life-altering diagnosis of aggressive metastatic bowel cancer. Just months ago, she was planning her own funeral, convinced that her time was limited. However, after undergoing tailored chemotherapy based on laboratory tests of her cancer cells, she has experienced significant improvement, with her cancer size reduced by half. This innovative treatment provides Langli with renewed hope and the possibility of a longer life.
Langli’s journey began in the spring of 2024 when she received the troubling news that her cancer had metastasized beyond her colon to her liver and lymph nodes. Following this devastating diagnosis, she was given the chance to participate in a cutting-edge research project at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Langli became the first patient at St. Olavs Hospital to receive chemotherapy selected through a new laboratory test aimed at personalizing treatment for metastatic bowel cancer.
Åsmund Flobak, senior consultant at St. Olavs Hospital Cancer Clinic and professor at NTNU, highlighted the dual purpose of the treatment: while it cannot cure Langli’s cancer, it aims to improve her quality of life. “Chemotherapy is a very harsh treatment,” Flobak explained, emphasizing the impact on patients’ overall well-being. At St. Olavs, a significant portion of the facility is dedicated to cancer patients, reflecting the pressing need for effective interventions.
According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, cancer has become the leading cause of death in Norway, with the country experiencing one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer globally. Flobak’s research focuses on offering patients with incurable metastatic bowel cancer a chance to receive more personalized treatment, potentially enhancing their quality of life during their remaining days.
Langli’s treatment experience has been relatively manageable. “I feel much better now than before I started,” she shared, despite facing challenges such as weight loss and hair loss. Her optimism is evident as she engages in activities like gardening and crosswords, asserting her desire for more time with her husband, Harald.
In the realm of cancer treatment, Flobak and his team are conducting a marathon of research designed to improve patient outcomes. They have developed a catalog of cancer cells from over a hundred patients, which allows them to analyze how various types and doses of chemotherapy affect cancer cells. This pioneering approach aims to expedite the treatment selection process, eliminating the often lengthy trial-and-error method currently in use.
The research initiative, known as the PRESORT study, seeks to identify the most effective first-line treatments for patients like Langli. Flobak noted that while chemotherapy can take a toll on patients, advancements in precision medicine are paving the way for improved therapies tailored to individual needs.
As they work towards enrolling a total of 133 patients in this study, Flobak emphasized the importance of ensuring that each participant receives the best possible treatment. “It is comforting to know that we are striving to improve cancer treatment in the future,” he remarked.
In addition to the PRESORT study, Flobak is also involved in the COSENSE-1 study, which focuses on personalized treatment options. This collaborative effort between St. Olavs Hospital, NTNU, and SINTEF highlights the commitment to advancing cancer care through innovative research.
Langli’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many facing similar diagnoses. With the ongoing commitment to research and personalized treatment, there is a growing optimism that patients with incurable cancers may experience not only extended life but also a better quality of life in their remaining time.
