Cancer (see more articles like this)

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute cancer patient Chris Galipeau, 44, is especially thankful to be alive this holiday season. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with late stage colorectal cancer. “No one expects to get colon cancer at my age and I was in pretty good shape myself,” recalled Galipeau, a construction manager and Oviedo resident. “I guess I just ignored the symptoms until the pain became so bad that I was forced to go to the doctor.” After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, much of his colon was removed. Despite these measures, the cancer spread to his liver and lungs. Earlier this year, Galipeau was given two to five years to live. This past June, he was started on a new combination therapy regimen that included chemotherapy and a newly FDA-approved anti-angiogenesis treatment for metastatic colon cancer.

“This new generation of drugs is changing cancer disease management by providing targeted therapy to directly attack the blood vessels surrounding the tumor,” says David Smith, M.D., Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Oncologist. “Unlike chemotherapy, this approach targets blood vessels carrying nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, shutting them off, which essentially starves the tumor.”

Since October of this year, no tumors have been detected in Galipeau’s liver and colon, and the tumors in his lungs have shrunk or stabilized. While he still faces significant risks from his condition, he has returned to work and vows to live his life with a sense of appreciation and understanding for other people. He even does wood work on the side and creates furniture.

“Having cancer changes the way you look at the world,” Galipeau said, “Every day and every moment matter so much more. I’ve become a more open person, a better listener, and I think now, a better friend.”

Background:
 According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 10,000 Florida residents were newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2004. 
 Almost 4,000 Floridians will die from the disease this year. 
 Additionally, 1 in 17 men and 1 in 18 women in the United States will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point in their lives. 
 Those over 50 or with a family history of colon cancer should schedule a screening test with their doctor.  Early diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Contact:

If you are interested in interviewing Chris Galipeau or Dr. David Smith, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-8217. If you have questions about newly FDA-approved treatments for metastatic colon cancer, please call Vanessa Kelepecz at (212) 798-9842.

www.floridahospitalmedicalnews.com