Available online 21 May 2024

This study reports a unique case of a patient with stage IV locally recurrent rectal cancer.

The patient designed and implemented a holistic integrative oncology intervention.

Treatment included a radical pelvic exenteration surgery.

The patient integrated mind-body practices and lifestyle modifications (eg yoga, mindfulness).

The patient's experiences and quality-of-life outcomes are described.

Stage IV colorectal cancer is a highly challenging condition to treat, with 5-year survival rates of 13% in Australia, improving to 40% for those patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer who are suitable for total neoadjuvant therapy and pelvic exenterative surgery. This study reports a unique case of a patient with Stage IV locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), who designed and implemented a holistic integrative oncology intervention.

The patient was 59-years-old when diagnosed with Stage IV locally recurrent rectal cancer, and referred to a highly specialised centre for colorectal cancer care at a tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. Treatment included chemo/radiotherapy, liver resection and posterior pelvic exenteration surgery. The patient's background as a health researcher and clinician optimised her ability to design and implement an integrative oncology model of care, including yoga, mindfulness, Buddhist meditation and study, social connection, exercise, psychotherapeutic and nutritional support. This paper describes these mind-body practices and lifestyle modifications and outlines her experiences and outcomes at each stage of her extensive and radical treatment.

This case provides a unique perspective into how the integration of mind-body practices and lifestyle modifications with conventional treatment can support those living with colorectal cancer.

Case report

Integrative oncology

Colorectal cancer

Pelvic exenteration

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.