UK Woman Becomes First Patient to Receive Liver Transplant for Advanced Bowel Cancer

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Bianca Perea, a 32-year-old trainee lawyer from Manchester, has made medical history by becoming the first patient in the UK to receive a liver transplant specifically for advanced bowel cancer. Diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in November 2021, Ms. Perea faced a grim prognosis, with doctors suggesting treatment would only prolong her life rather than cure her illness.

Despite the bleak outlook, Ms. Perea remained determined to fight her condition. After undergoing intensive chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy over two and a half years, she was able to have her bowel tumour removed in May 2023. However, the tumours in her liver were deemed inoperable.

In February 2024, after being added to the transplant list, Ms. Perea received a donor liver and underwent the transplant surgery last summer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Just four weeks post-operation, she was able to resume her normal activities, including driving and walking her dogs. Now, Ms. Perea is celebrating her cancer-free status and expressing immense gratitude towards the family of her organ donor.

Dr. Kalena Marti, Ms. Perea’s oncologist, highlighted the significance of her recovery and the potential for liver transplants to become a viable treatment option for similar cases in the future. Perea, whose case underscores the importance of organ donation, hopes to inspire others about the possibilities of recovery against serious health challenges.

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