Colon Cancer: Cryoablation Trial 30 Years Ago Saved Gene’s Life

In 1993 when he was 51 years of age, Gene Jones received a diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer. At the time, cryoablation was a new and somewhat unproven therapy. In fact, MD Anderson had not yet received delivery of the equipment needed to operate the device.

Now Gene looks back over those 30 years and feels confident enough to laugh. His feeling about the new surgery at the time was “What has he got to lose?”

The Symptoms

The first symptoms began with stomach problems. They began to surface when he was 51 years old. First in his stomach then in his intestines. His wife suggested that he see a gastroenterologist who ordered a colonoscopy. However, Gene’s tumor was so large that it prevented the doctors from advancing the scope. His large intestine was almost entirely obstructed.

Gene’s doctors explained that these symptoms were very serious, and he should assume the worst. Gene underwent surgery immediately. The doctors were able to remove not only the tumor but were able to preserve the colon to the extent that he did not need further surgery.

It was at this point Gene learned that the cancer had spread to his liver. It appeared that he had two options. The first would be chemotherapy but he was told he would only have six months to live. The only other option available was a new procedure called cryotherapy. The MD Anderson team agreed with the diagnosis and initially began chemotherapy attempting to shrink the cancer, but the results were less than satisfactory.

It was at this point Gene felt he had used up all his options. But then he was offered an opportunity to be one of the first patients to undergo cryotherapy. It was so new that the doctors were not able to offer statistics on its success or failure. The doctors could not guarantee that it would work. Gene’s attitude was that he was going to die anyway and at least there may be a slim chance that this would work.

He accepted the challenge and became one of its first beneficiaries. It is now a very well-established procedure that conquers cancer by freezing it. The doctors noted that the right lobe of Gene’s liver was covered with tumors. It was removed. Fortunately, they were able to freeze a few areas found in the left lobe and leave it mostly untouched.

Gene was not yet free of surgery. He had an operation in September 1995 for removal of a new spot on the liver and again in 1997 to remove half of his left lung resulting from another tumor.

Now at age 81, Gene is still baling hay and can easily lift 50 lb feed sacks.
He readily admits to needing rest while working in the summer heat but is grateful for being alive and claims he would not have it any other way.

cancer treatment colon cancer colorectal cancer cryoablation

Last modified: October 25, 2024