It was February 22, 2022, a Tuesday, a specia day for Xiao Zhou (pseudonym). On that day, this young man finally saw his life again after enduring countless challenges.

Three years before, Xiao Zhou, a first-year graduate student, was diagnosed with stage IV extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (nasal type). Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy at another hospital, his condition did not improve and even worsened to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, leaving him in critical condition. On the recommendation of other patients, Xiao Zhou’s parents sought out Dr. Wu Tong’s team at GoBroad Healthcare Group. At GoBroad, Xiao Zhou successfully underwent a haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant after preconditioning chemotherapy, with his mother as the donor. This summer, he completed his graduate studies and found his way of life -- becoming a teacher to guide and inspire the next generation of students.

Diagnosed at An Advanced Stage: What Lies Ahead?

One day in 2021, Xiao Zhou suddenly developed a high fever of 39°C. It subsided temporarily after administration of antipyretics but kept returning a few days later without any apparent cause. Due to recurring fevers those days, Xiao Zhou decided to go to the hospital for a thorough examination.

Initial blood tests showed no abnormalities, and the doctor reassured him that it was not a blood disease. However, Xiao Zhou was not convinced and suspected that something was wrong with his blood system.

That summer, Xiao Zhou went to a hospital in Guangzhou, where his parents were doing business, for further tests. According to the PET-CT scan findings, he was definitely diagnosed with stage IV extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (nasal type). It is a unique subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with EBV infection caused by immune deficiency. For stage I/II NK/T-cell lymphoma, most patients can be cured through chemotherapy combined with local radiotherapy. However, for stage III/IV or refractory/recurrent cases, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is required.

In addition, the PET-CT scan revealed multiple tumors in his abdomen, lungs, nasal cavity, and neck, indicating a very severe condition.

Normal Life Paused, Treatment Began

Initially, treatment at the local hospital was fraught with difficulties. After 6-7 rounds of chemotherapy, his condition showed no signs of improvement, and inaccurate medication had even caused his illness progress into hemophagocytic syndrome. As his condition worsened, the doctors issued a critical condition notice. In a moment of despair, Xiao Zhou decided to take a final chance and seek treatment at GoBroad Healthcare Group on the recommendation of other patients.

Upon his arriving at GoBroad, Dr. Wu Tong designed a personalized treatment plan for Xiao Zhou. The first step was preconditioning chemotherapy to reduce the tumor burden and achieve the maximum possible remission before transplant.

Looking back on his time in the treatment room, Xiao Zhou vividly remembers a particular moment: After undergoing intensive chemotherapy, he developed folliculitis and buccal ulceration. The daily suffering was immense, which took a serious toll on his mental state. “At that time, I thought my life would never be the same as that of a normal person and I would always be a patient in the eyes of others…”

Just when Xiao Zhou was losing hope, the words from Dr. Wu Tong during his rounds brought him immense confidence: “Everything is just paused. Once you get through this phase, everything will return to normal.”

That seemingly ordinary statement brought a glimmer of hope to Xiao Zhou. “Dr. Wu’s words felt like a wake-up call, showing me a beacon of hope.” From that moment on, Xiao Zhou resolved to stay strong and get through the hardship. In reality, even after leaving the treatment room, he faced severe rejection, extreme physical weakness, and muscle atrophy from long period of bed rest, leaving him unable to stand or walk when he was discharged. Yet, despite these challenges, Xiao Zhou was no longer as negative as before; instead, he felt that victory was just within reach.

A Bright Future Ahead

It has now been over two years since Xiao Zhou’s transplant, and his health has greatly improved. He has been back at school for some time. Today, he has successfully graduated with his master’s degree and become a teacher to guide and inspire the next generation of students.