High-Risk Stage 3C Colon Cancer Case Study: Long-Term Stability and Quality of Life with ECCT

Singapore, a female patient in her 50s was diagnosed with High-Risk Stage 3C Colon Cancer adenocarcinoma of the distal colon in 2022, initially presenting with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Despite appropriate neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and subsequent surgical resection, postoperative histopathology confirmed significant regional lymph node involvement (pN2), placing her at a substantial risk for disease recurrence within short period of time.

Following surgery, the patient elected to integrate ECCT as a complementary modality alongside standard oncological surveillance. This decision was motivated by the high-risk pathological findings and the patient’s desire to proactively support disease control and overall recovery.

Serial post-treatment assessments have demonstrated a favourable course. Follow-up PET, CT, ultrasound, and MRI imaging over more than one year showed no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastatic disease. Small residual mesorectal lymph nodes identified on imaging remained stable in size and appearance and were consistently interpreted as post-treatment or reactive changes rather than active malignancy.

In addition to radiological stability, laboratory trends reflected systemic improvement. Serial blood tests showed stabilization and improvement in hemoglobin levels, suggesting recovery from treatment-related anemia and improved marrow function. Liver function parameters, which can be adversely affected by chemotherapy and systemic stress, also demonstrated favourable trends, remaining within acceptable ranges over time. These findings supported the clinical impression of improving organ function and overall physiological resilience during continued ECCT use.

From a clinical standpoint, the patient’s functional status and quality of life improved progressively during this period. She reported restoration of appetite, improved energy levels, normal sleep patterns, and a return to regular daily activities, including structured exercise. No new cancer-related symptoms were noted, and laboratory parameters showed stabilization consistent with recovery from prior intensive therapy.

At the most recent follow-up, the patient remains clinically stable with sustained radiological disease control. While standard adjuvant chemotherapy remains the conventional recommendation for patients with Stage 3C colon cancer, this case illustrates that the integration of ECCT alongside routine medical care was associated with prolonged disease stability and meaningful improvements in quality of life. Continued surveillance remains essential, but the overall clinical trajectory to date can be regarded as favourable.