Montse's Case
A high-grade serous carcinoma at stage III with peritoneal carcinomatosis, faced over several years with surgery, HIPEC, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and an unbreakable determination.
Montse's Testimony
Montse was 67 when, after months noticing abdominal swelling she described as fluid, an emergency admission gave her the diagnosis: a high-grade serous carcinoma at stage III. A work colleague told her about Dr. Torrent, and from the very first moment he gave her reassurance and clarity.
- Persistent abdominal swelling attributed to gas for months
- Diagnosis: high-grade serous carcinoma, stage III
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis with extensive involvement
- Chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC
- Several recurrences faced with new surgeries and chemotherapy
- Currently on targeted therapy and leading a normal life
"Someone has to be in that 20-25%"
Montse, 67, began to notice progressive abdominal swelling. For months several doctors put it down to gas, but her own feeling was of fluid. Finally, in the emergency department, tests gave the diagnosis: an aggressive high-grade serous carcinoma at stage III, with a build-up of fluid that had to be drained. While admitted, a work colleague told her about a specialist who stood out by far: Dr. Juan José Torrent.
The team acted quickly. A laparoscopy allowed them to assess the disease and drain the fluid, and chemotherapy was scheduled: three sessions every 21 days. Then came surgery, in which all possible disease was removed and HIPEC was applied, heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for an hour and a half to eliminate any cells that might remain loose. After surgery, three more months of chemotherapy.
Hers has been a battle of several years and several recurrences. At each return, the team reassessed the best approach: new surgeries, sometimes preceded by chemotherapy to shrink the disease and make the operation safer. Across the successive operations, a widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis was treated, involving the peritoneum, bowel, colon, rectum, gallbladder and lymph nodes.
For about a year now, Montse has been on an oral targeted therapy. Unlike chemotherapy, which acts on all cells, targeted therapy selectively attacks tumour cells by preventing them from repairing themselves. With close monitoring of kidney function, the strategy is working and allows her to lead a normal life.
"He told me clearly that five-year survival was around 20-25%, and I thought: someone has to be there. His availability is incredible, he came by morning, afternoon and night, weekends included. With Dr. Torrent, to infinity and beyond." Montse, patient
Montse faces every operation with admirable strength. She says goodbye to her husband and daughter with a "see you later", and celebrates every time she comes out of the operating room certain that there is a way forward. Her story is not one of an easy road, but of an advanced disease faced with every resource, honest information and support she describes as that of one more member of the family.
Medical team that treated Montse
Internationally renowned oncological surgeons in peritoneal carcinomatosis and HIPEC
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological Surgeon
Specialist in complex oncological surgery. Expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis and HIPEC, recognized for the close support he gives his patients.
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Dr. François Quenet
Oncological Surgeon
International leader in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Pioneer in techniques that have revolutionized the treatment of peritoneal surface disease.
View profileDo you identify with Montse's story?
Advanced serous carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis is a complex disease, but treatable at centres with specific experience and a multidisciplinary approach. If you are looking for a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment, allow us to evaluate your case.
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