Clinical Trial Offers New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer

In May 2025, Hernando Salcedo, an 83-year-old grandfather, noticed an unexpected swelling in his stomach. Despite being healthy and active, Salcedo’s mysterious condition prompted him to seek medical advice. Initially, an endoscopic ultrasound failed to diagnose his issue. Further tests, including an MRI, revealed a challenging diagnosis: Stage III pancreatic cancer.

“It was very hard” to hear, Salcedo shared with CBS News. The American Cancer Society notes that most Stage III pancreatic cancer patients live for only a few months post-diagnosis, with a mere 15% surviving beyond five years. Since Salcedo wasn’t suitable for surgery, his treatment was limited to aggressive chemotherapy, intended to prolong his life.

Salcedo began chemotherapy at the Miami Cancer Institute in July 2025, but he soon suffered significant side effects. He lost weight and his ability to maintain a regular lifestyle diminished. His son, Mauricio, remarked on the drastic change in his father’s condition.

“I’ve never seen my dad in bed for that amount of time, where he can’t even get up,” Mauricio said.

Exploring New Treatment Options

While undergoing chemotherapy, Salcedo’s case reached an expert panel at Miami Cancer Institute. These panels explore new treatments, including clinical trials, according to Dr. Ripal Gandhi, the radiologist and oncologist managing Salcedo’s case. Salcedo was considered a candidate for a trial testing a novel chemotherapy delivery device developed by RenovoRX.

The traditional method of administering chemotherapy intravenously has limitations. Dr. Gandhi explained that pancreatic cancer’s dense tissue often prevents chemotherapy from reaching the tumor. The RenovoCath system aims to deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor site using a catheter with two balloons that isolates blood flow.

“Because you’re isolating the chemotherapy, there is very little drug which is actually going through the body,” Gandhi explained.

Research presented in 2023 at the World Congress of GI Cancer Patients indicated 65% fewer adverse effects among those treated using the catheter method. Patients also experienced a six-month increase in survival.

Choosing a New Path

When presented with the clinical trial, Salcedo quickly agreed. His son described it as “the easiest decision” of their cancer journey. In the trial, Salcedo received standard chemotherapy for two months, then radiation, followed by an additional chemotherapy session. His cancer had not progressed, qualifying him for the catheter-based method.

“This treatment fixed my life,” Salcedo stated, describing how significant his quality of life improved compared to traditional chemotherapy. He needed treatment every other week for four months and felt well enough to live more freely.

Extending Quality of Life

Salcedo wasn’t the only trial participant experiencing these benefits. Dr. Gandhi reported a remarkable case where one patient survived four years after their diagnosis. Though Stage III pancreatic cancer remains challenging, the objective was to extend life expectancy while preserving quality of life.

Approved by the FDA, the RenovoCath system is under further examination. Complete trial data for Stage III pancreatic cancer is expected by late 2027.

Embracing New Opportunities

One year post-diagnosis, Salcedo’s cancer remains stable. There is no spread to other organs, bringing joy to his doctors and family. This extra time allowed Salcedo to travel to Colombia for his nephew’s wedding, where he “felt perfect.”

Salcedo, at age 83, understands the gravity of his prognosis. Nonetheless, his resilience has provided precious additional months of life. Salcedo’s regular routines resumed, and he continues planning future travels.

“What else do you want for an 83-year-old man, other than that he’s happy? That feels like you won the lottery,” Mauricio expressed.