At just 11 years old, in 2012, Rangdra was diagnosed with an aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor that had spread to the spinal cord at the base of his neck. Spinal cord medulloblastoma is a type of primary central nervous system (CNS) cancer. Specifically, medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum or posterior fossa of the brain. Although it primarily starts in the brain, medulloblastoma can spread to other parts of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This type of cancer is classified as a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), which means it arises from immature nerve cells and is highly aggressive.
Rangdra underwent an intensive Treatment for Spinal Cord Medulloblastoma regimen, including 30 rounds of radiation therapy and multiple courses of chemotherapy. The purpose of these treatments was to target and kill the rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, the toll on his body was immense. The cumulative effects of the radiation and chemotherapy led to severe side effects, including paralysis from the waist down, confining him to a wheelchair and diminishing his quality of life.
Despite these aggressive treatments, the cancer proved resistant, and conventional medical options were exhausted. At this critical juncture, Rangdra's medical team introduced to ECCT as an alternative treatment.
ECCT is a novel, non-invasive approach that uses low-intensity electric fields to disrupt the division and growth of cancer cells. The treatment involves placing electrodes near the tumor site, which generate alternating electric fields. These fields specifically target the mitotic spindle, a structure within dividing cancer cells that is crucial for cell division. By disrupting this process, ECCT effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.
Rangdra became the first spinal cord cancer patient to receive ECCT therapy.
Remarkably, within just one year of starting ECCT, he regained the ability to stand and walk without the aid of a wheelchair. This significant improvement in his mobility marked a turning point in his recovery. Two years into the therapy, Rangdra returned to school, where he completed his primary education. He continued to excel academically, completing middle school, high school, and eventually graduating from university.
Today, Rangdra is not only cancer-free but also thriving in his career as an IT specialist. His journey is a testament to the potential of ECCT in providing hope and effective treatment for patients who have exhausted conventional options.
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