From Paralysis to Walking Freely Again: Chordoma Tumor shrunk without surgery with just ECCT

Mrs. AI was diagnosed with a chordoma with Tumor shrunk without surgery nearly 19 cm in size according to a CT scan in mid-2020, although symptoms had started appearing five years earlier. A biopsy confirmed it was a malignant chordoma – an extremely rare type of cancer. Surgery was initially planned but later cancelled due to the tumor’s massive size and invasion of the sacral and pelvic bones. Doctors warned the surgical risks were extremely high, including permanent paralysis or immediate death.

Left with no alternatives, Mrs. AI began ECCT in October 2020. The therapy was intensely challenging — she experienced severe heat, excessive sweating during each 15-minute session, and intense discomfort that felt like electrical shocks. Post-treatment reactions included foul-smelling black stools, fatty or clumpy urine, and continuous flatulence. Despite these intense reactions, her pain gradually decreased. MRI results showed a significant reduction in tumor size within six months, shrinking from 19 cm to 8 cm. However, clinical improvements lagged behind the tumor shrinkage. Mrs. AI remained unable to sit or stand for the first six months. After six months, she could take a few steps, and by the 10th month she no longer needed a catheter. She continued to use a wheelchair for 2.5 years. Only after more than three years of continued ECCT treatment was she finally able to walk without one. Her most recent MRI showed the tumor had further shrunk.

Medical Timeline and Results Summary:

• 2016–2019: Intermittent lower back and sitting discomfort began. Diagnosed with no clear findings.

• Early 2020: Symptoms worsened — severe tailbone pain, burning sensation, bladder and bowel dysfunction.

• Mid-2020: CT scan revealed a ~19 cm chordoma, invading the sacrum and pelvis, pressing on abdominal organs.

• August 2020: Surgery was cancelled two hours before due to high risks; only a biopsy was performed.

• October 2020: Began ECCT therapy where no options given in hospital.

6 Months use of ECCT, Tumor shrunk without surgery:

• Tumor shrunk without surgery from 19 cm to 8 cm.

• Pain significantly reduced, bowel function normalized.

• 10 Months: No longer required a urinary catheter.

• 2.5 Years: Still used a wheelchair, but resumed light housework.

• 3+ Years: Able to walk without a wheelchair.

• 5 Years: Now walks independently, actively participates in cancer survivor activities.

• Most recent MRI: Continued tumor shrinkage, with no signs of recurrence.

Mrs. AI’s case demonstrates a rare but remarkable regression of a large inoperable chordoma Tumor shrunk without surgery and using ECCT therapy alone, beyond the conventional 5-year survival expectation. Her progress, although slow and hard-earned, reflects a significant clinical improvement and quality-of-life recovery — all without surgery.