Innovative Chemotherapy Technique Extends Life for 83-Year-Old Patient

Hernando Salcedo, an 83-year-old grandfather, noticed unexpected stomach swelling in May 2025. Previously healthy and active, he only experienced hip pain, which he attributed to age. The swelling had no obvious cause, prompting a visit to his doctor. Despite an endoscopic ultrasound, the origin remained unknown, leading to a referral to a gastroenterologist. Two days after an MRI, Salcedo faced a grave diagnosis: Stage III pancreatic cancer.

Receiving the diagnosis was challenging for Salcedo. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for Stage III pancreatic cancer is merely 15%. Surgery, often the best option to remove cancer, wasn’t viable for him. He started on aggressive chemotherapy at Miami Cancer Institute in July 2025, aimed at extending his life. Soon after, Salcedo began to suffer severe side effects, including significant weight loss and an inability to eat. “I’ve never seen my dad in bed for so long, where he can’t even get up,” said his son, Mauricio.

“The easiest decision”

Salcedo’s case was presented to an expert panel at Miami Cancer Institute. This panel discussed potential treatments, including clinical trials. Dr. Ripal Gandhi, the treating radiologist and oncologist, shared that Salcedo qualified for a clinical trial involving a new chemotherapy delivery system by RenovoRX. Traditionally, chemotherapy spreads through the entire body, but pancreatic cancer’s dense tissue limits drug delivery to tumors.

The RenovoRX RenovoCath system, first cleared by the FDA in 2014, intends to deliver chemotherapy more precisely. Positioned near the tumor, a catheter with two balloons isolates blood flow, focusing the chemotherapy. Previously presented data in 2023 at the World Congress of GI Cancer Patients showed participants had 65% fewer side effects and a six-month increase in survival with the catheter method.

Upon hearing about the clinical trial, Salcedo agreed to participate without hesitation. Mauricio described it as “the easiest decision” in their journey.

Salcedo underwent standard chemotherapy for two months before beginning the RenovoCath treatment. He received chemotherapy every other week, noticing a significant difference. “This treatment fixed my life,” Salcedo said, noting no nausea or pain. He wasn’t alone in his experience; other trial participants also felt improvements.

Dr. Gandhi, who treated Salcedo, noted that Salcedo’s cancer remained stable since mid-April 2026. Though Stage III pancreatic cancer typically isn’t curable, the focus is on extending life and maintaining a good quality of life. Gandhi stated, “We did maintain his quality of life.”

The RenovoCath system has FDA clearance, and more research is underway. Final trial data is anticipated in late 2027.

One year post-diagnosis, Salcedo has surpassed expectations. His cancer hasn’t spread. The extra time has allowed him to enjoy family events, including attending his nephew’s wedding in Colombia, where he danced and felt “perfect.”

Mauricio acknowledges that his father, despite the poor prognosis of Stage III pancreatic cancer, values the extra time. Salcedo has resumed his walks and plans more travels. “What else do you want for an 83-year-old man, other than that he’s happy?” Mauricio says. “That feels like you won the lottery.”