Shahin Shelechi, 72, is incredibly optimistic–so much so that it’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of what she has endured throughout her 30-year cancer journey.
“You have to have hope,” she said. “And whatever I can do to help even one person, I will do it.”
First diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, the disease resurfaced twice and resulted in multiple procedures and treatments including a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. A battle with metastatic esophageal cancer and subsequent operations eventually followed. A scan in May 2024 showed the disease had spread to her liver.
Due to the extensive number of therapies, surgeries and illnesses she had already endured, Shahin’s treatment options had become limited.
Fortunately, Hoag’s commitment to innovation facilitated an incredible opportunity for patients like Shahin. Within 2 months of her diagnosis, Hoag became one of just four hospitals on the west coast to offer a new innovative technology in liver-cancer treatment called Histotripsy.
A precise and non-invasive alternative to radiation recently approved by the FDA, Histotripsy uses targeted ultrasound waves to wipe out cancer cells. The sound waves produce mini bubbles within liver tumors, creating pressure to eradicate unhealthy cells, all while keeping surrounding liver structures and healthy tissue intact. The procedure is performed while patients are under anesthesia, and patients can return home the same day.
“I knew that it was the best option for me,” Shahin said.
Hoag Oncologist and Hematologist Dr. Tara E. Seery, who has been overseeing Shahin’s treatment for the last four years, agreed. “The timing could not have been more fortuitous. I thought, ‘we’re getting this revolutionary technology. This is what we are going to do.’”
On August 12, under the care and direction of Hoag Interventional Radiologist Dr. Trushar Patel, Shahin became Hoag’s first patient to undergo the Histotripsy procedure.
Despite having some minor soreness and fatigue, she experienced minimal side effects and downtime afterwards.
“What makes this technology perfect for her is that it’s an effective non-invasive form of treatment,” Dr. Patel said. “Also, there are some reports of what is referred to as an abscopal effect, where if we treat one tumor, other tumors elsewhere in the body will actually shrink.”
Hoag is now performing multiple histotripsy procedures a week, and the number of scheduled patients continues to grow.
Meanwhile, a recent follow-up scan revealed that most of the tumor in Shahin’s liver has been demolished. Due to its original size, she will undergo a second histotripsy treatment in December to destroy what remains. And Dr. Seery has placed her on a single round of chemotherapy “as a precaution,” considering her health history as a 4-time cancer survivor.
While receiving her weekly treatments at the Hoag Infusion Center in Irvine, Shahin will often request rooms with windows so she can enjoy the sunlight. And the staff is happy to oblige.
“I’m grateful for the incredible care I’ve received at Hoag,” she said. “You have to follow that hope, and if being the first histotripsy patient means inspiring other Hoag patients in similar situations to follow in my footsteps, then I’m proud to be the first.”
With a family of her own and siblings scattered across the globe, Shahin is looking forward to the road ahead, and already planning her next international trip to Italy in 2025.
“I’m enjoying my children, my family…and I am excited to travel again. Those are the things that are important. Those are the things I love most.”
To learn more about the Histotripsy procedure, click here.
