Lung tumour shrunk from about 10 cm to 6 cm in 7 months with ECCT

A 76-year-old man who faced a severe battle with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the right lung. At the time of diagnosis, the tumour was already large, close to ten centimeters and had spread beyond the lung into the diaphragm, with small lesions appearing in the liver. His physical condition was poor: he was weak, coughing persistently, and often short of breath. The pain from the tumour’s spread to his diaphragm and back was constant, making sleep difficult. His appetite was almost gone, and he required oxygen support. Eventually, he became wheelchair-bound due to pain and fatigue.

When ECCT was introduced as part of his treatment plan, his condition was fragile. Yet, despite his age and multiple health issues, he tolerated the therapy well. The treatment was applied mainly to the chest and upper abdomen to target the lung and liver areas. Just a few weeks after starting ECCT, a PET-CT scan again confirmed the seriousness of his disease: a large, active tumour involving the right lung and diaphragm, small nodal spread, and early bone involvement. Even so, he continued with ECCT and supportive care.

Several months later, a follow-up scan showed a clear improvement. The lung tumour shrunk from about 10 cm to 6 cm, nearly half its original size. The areas of invasion into the diaphragm and liver remained but were less extensive, and no new metastases were detected. The bone findings were stable, suggesting no further spread.

Clinically, the change was visible. His appetite returned, he began gaining weight, and his breathing improved. The constant cough became less frequent, and his energy level increased. He was able to speak in full sentences again and was no longer as dependent on oxygen as before. His blood results stayed stable, and his pain, though still present, was better controlled.

By the time of his latest follow-up, he was described as alert, responsive, and in better spirits. His overall quality of life had improved, something that had seemed unlikely before starting ECCT.

While he continued on other supportive treatments such as nutritional supplements and medications, the tumour reduction, stabilised scans, and improved daily function strongly reflected the positive effect of ECCT in controlling his disease and helping him regain comfort and strength.

This case shows how ECCT contributed to meaningful tumour shrinkage and better quality of life, even in an elderly patient with advanced lung cancer and limited treatment options.