Weekly · World Stock Push
From inoperable cancer to free of the disease. Caroline Ainslie, 60, from Southampton, was diagnosed with stage-four ovarian cancer in March after the disease spread to her liver, lungs, and other parts of her body. She responded well to initial chemotherapy and became one of the first ovarian cancer patients at University Hospital Southampton to receive hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Her consultant declared her tumour free and expected full recovery.
Caroline’s diagnosis was devastating. She felt completely shocked and devastated because her cancer was widespread. After a 12-hour operation, she received heated chemotherapy for 90 minutes, which eliminated microscopic cancer cells. She is now cancer-free and grateful for the treatment, which she says has transformed her life.
Ovarian cancer is often called a silent killer due to vague early symptoms. Caroline’s story highlights the potential of advanced treatments like HIPEC, which has been used in 50 procedures at UHS since 2022. The treatment is expanding access to innovative cancer care, supported by donations from PLANETS Cancer Charity. Caroline plans to celebrate her recovery with a ski holiday next year and continues follow-up chemotherapy.
This case demonstrates the impact of HIPEC, a treatment also used for bowel and appendix cancers. The charity’s funding has enabled UHS to become a national leader in this pioneering approach.
Source: BBC
