Rectal Cancer Alternative Treatment: Documented Case Showing Tumour Shrinkage After ECCT Therapy

A 60-year-old male, was diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma in December 2023 following colonoscopy and biopsy. Initial imaging on December 2023 identified a rectal mass measuring approximately 3 × 5 × 4 cm, extending into the presacral space with suspected local infiltration. At the time of diagnosis, his CEA level was reported to be elevated, and CT imaging also noted liver lesions that required further evaluation for possible metastasis.

A PET scan then confirmed a hypermetabolic lesion at the anorectal junction consistent with primary rectal carcinoma. Importantly, the scan did not demonstrate FDG-avid nodal metastasis, and the liver lesions did not show significant FDG uptake, suggesting they were not metabolically active at that stage.

He began ECCT as his Rectal Cancer Alternative Treatment immediately thereafter in early 2024, alongside the medical plan recommended by his doctors, which included radiotherapy and low-dose oral chemotherapy.

Clinical and Physical Condition During His Rectal Cancer Alternative Treatment Journey:

During follow-up consultations in the weeks after initiating ECCT:

• He maintained his weight and appetite, with no significant deterioration in his general health.

• He reported good energy levels and minimal fatigue, even while undergoing concurrent radiotherapy.

• At times, he described feeling more energetic than usual, though occasionally experiencing difficulty sleeping.

• His blood test parameters remained within good ranges, with no concerning deterioration reported during monitoring.

• Bowel symptoms such as occasional blood in stool were described as minimal, and he was able to continue daily activities.

  
  

These observations suggested that he was physically tolerating the treatment period well, without significant decline in overall condition.

Imaging Improvements After ECCT and Concurrent Therapy

A CT scan performed after 3 months of usage showed a clear reduction in tumour size:

• The rectal mass measured approximately 1.8 × 3.3 × 2.0 cm,

• Compared with the earlier size of approximately 2.3 × 4.7 × 4.7 cm.

  
  

Radiologists specifically reported that the low rectal tumour had reduced in size, indicating a measurable response to treatment. Further evaluation with MRI of the pelvis demonstrated additional improvement:

• The tumour thickness had further decreased to approximately 1.5 cm.

• Imaging features showed T2-weighted hypointense signals consistent with fibrosis, suggesting that a significant portion of the previously active tumour tissue had been replaced by fibrotic (scar) tissue.

• Only a small focal area measuring approximately 1.0 × 0.5 cm remained suspicious for residual tumour.

  
  

Importantly, the MRI also showed:

• Muscularis propria remained intact

• No involvement of the mesorectal fascia

• Anal canal and sphincter structures preserved

• No peritoneal nodules, ascites, or distant spread detected

Based on the available records:

• Tumour size decreased significantly over several months, from an initial large rectal mass to a much smaller residual lesion.

• Imaging findings evolved from active tumour characteristics to changes consistent with fibrosis, suggesting treatment response.

• Blood parameters remained stable throughout the monitoring period.

• The patient maintained good physical strength, appetite, and body weight, with no major deterioration in general condition.

• Follow-up scans confirmed no clear evidence of new metastatic disease.

Summary

From the documented clinical records, he experienced:

• Objective tumour shrinkage on CT and MRI imaging

• Stable and good blood test parameters

• Maintained physical strength and daily functioning

• No major decline in general health during the treatment period

Overall, the records indicate measurable radiological improvement and stable systemic condition during the months following the initiation of ECCT alongside his prescribed oncological treatments.