Illinois Woman Thrives After Targeted Cancer Therapy

Quick Smiles:

• First use of direct-to-liver chemotherapy brings hope to rare eye cancer patients
• Bozena Wojtach’s tumors shrank by half in two treatments
• Minimal side effects and renewed energy let her enjoy life again

A breakthrough cancer treatment now lets doctors deliver chemotherapy directly to the liver, reducing side effects and improving patient comfort.

Bozena Wojtach, a 66-year-old woman from Illinois, became the first to receive this therapy using the Hepzato Kit at Northwestern Medicine.

Her uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer that often spreads to the liver, was diagnosed after her optometrist noticed unusual symptoms. Traditional chemotherapy affects the whole body, but this new approach isolates the liver’s blood supply, infusing medication right where it’s needed.

The system circulates the drugs through the liver for thirty minutes, then filters out 80% before returning the blood to the body, helping spare healthy tissue from harm.

“This type of therapy has been shown to prolong survival for patients while also offering a very tolerable side effect profile, which are two things we want to prioritize,” said Dr. Sunandana Chandra, medical director at Northwestern.

Wojtach’s tumors shrank by 50% after just two rounds of therapy. Her medical team has recommended four more courses to continue her progress.

She shared her joy at the effective results:

“I have energy. I have no pain. I don’t have any nausea or vomiting like other patient has,” said Wojtach. “I feel like I’m healthy—like I have no cancer at all.”

Grateful for her renewed health, Wojtach is eager to return to her garden, travel, and spend more time with her family.

Stories like Bozena’s highlight medical innovations that brighten the future for many facing tough diagnoses. For more uplifting updates, stay connected with us!

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