What You Need to Know
• Hernando Salcedo, an 83-year-old grandfather, was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer in May 2025.
• The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for Stage III pancreatic cancer is only 15%.
• Salcedo began chemotherapy at the Miami Cancer Institute in July 2025 but experienced severe side effects.
Hernando Salcedo, an 83-year-old grandfather, received a diagnosis of Stage III pancreatic cancer in May 2025 after experiencing unexplained stomach swelling. Following an unsuccessful endoscopic ultrasound, an MRI revealed the cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of just 15%, according to the American Cancer Society. Due to his age and health condition, Salcedo was not a candidate for surgery, and his only treatment option was aggressive chemotherapy aimed at prolonging his life. He began chemotherapy at the Miami Cancer Institute in July 2025, but the treatment led to severe side effects, including significant weight loss and difficulty eating, drastically affecting his quality of life. Salcedo’s son, Mauricio, noted the dramatic decline in his father’s health, highlighting the challenges faced by patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Why It Matters
Pancreatic cancer is known for its poor prognosis, particularly at advanced stages, making early detection crucial. The American Cancer Society’s statistics underscore the severity of the disease, with only 15% of Stage III patients surviving five years post-diagnosis. Salcedo’s case illustrates the challenges faced by elderly patients with limited treatment options, as surgery is often not viable. The developments in his treatment at the Miami Cancer Institute may provide insights into innovative approaches to chemotherapy delivery for pancreatic cancer patients.
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