OUR PATIENT’S STORY INSPIRES MANY: HE OVERCAME A SERIOUS ILLNESS AND CLIMBED MOUNT ELBRUS

34-year-old Alexander, a coach, athlete, and mixed martial arts fighter, began to experience bouts of coughing and joint pain that literally restricted his movements. The problem was that the symptoms were not related to a cold, so standard treatment didn’t bring the expected results. He went to a doctor, and specialists ordered a series of tests: this is how Alexander learned about his diagnosis of upper mediastinum cancer.

Determined to fight, he independently sought help at the A.Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre, – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. There, a biopsy was performed, and his diagnosis was clarified: primary mediastinal B-cell large lymphoma.

“This form of cancer is associated with the abnormal reproduction of B-cells, which can lead to the formation of a tumor in the mediastinum. Symptoms include weakness, coughing, shortness of breath, chest and back pain, fever, and sweating. Tumor cells grow and spread rapidly throughout the body, which is why it is often referred to as an aggressive disease,” explains Vasily Shuvaev, head of the Hematology Department at the A.Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre.

Modern treatments include immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies and classic chemotherapy medications. In some cases, immunochemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Alexander underwent immunochemotherapy, followed by conformal radiation therapy based on three-dimensional planning. Specialists at the Center recorded a complete metabolic response, and today, our hero once again leads a vibrant and active life. Just a year after his recovery, he returned to amateur sports, competed in three tournaments, and even took first place. And recently, in August 2024, he fulfilled a long-held dream: he climbed the majestic Mount Elbrus. His story inspires many.

“Life consists of many moments, events, and opportunities. It’s important to know how to appreciate every day, every hour, every minute. We cannot change the past or predict the future, but we can fully enjoy the present!” shared Alexander. “Don’t put off what you can do today, because only by acting can we create our own unique and memorable life!”