Leaning into hope: Pancreatic cancer survivor grateful for clinical trial
One year after her diagnosis, Kim Charlton is cancer-free and hopeful for the future, thanks to a life-changing clinical trial led by Nirav C. Thosani, MD, MHA.
After experiencing persistent back pain, Kim Charlton was shocked to learn she had pancreatic cancer—a diagnosis that upended her plans for retirement abroad. Seeking treatment at UTHealth Houston, she became part of a groundbreaking clinical trial led by Dr. Nirav C. Thosani. This trial combined traditional chemotherapy with endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that targets tumor cells with precision. The innovative approach not only shrank Kim’s tumor but also appeared to stimulate her immune system to fight cancer more effectively. Now cancer-free, Kim credits the collaborative care and cutting-edge research at UTHealth Houston for giving her a second chance at life. Read the full story ›