Young Non-Smoker Treated for Advanced Adenocarcinoma at Sharda Care
World Lung Cancer Day serves as a reminder of the global burden of lung cancer and the critical importance of early detection and public awareness. Sharda Care – Healthcity, a leading healthcare provider in Greater Noida, marked the occasion with a remarkable example of cross-border cancer care. The hospital successfully treated a 38-year-old non-smoking woman from Burkina Faso, West Africa, who had been diagnosed with aggressive, advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Despite experiencing increasing discomfort, the patient had not received a diagnosis or treatment in her home country. After arriving in India, she underwent a carefully coordinated and personalized treatment plan at Sharda Care – Healthcity, which led to complete symptom relief and a dramatic tumor reduction—from approximately 5 cm to just 1.5 cm. The treatment was led by Dr. Anil Thakwani, Senior Consultant – Oncology, Sharda Care – Healthcity.
The patient arrived at Sharda Care – Healthcity with severe breathlessness and weakness, unable to walk without support, with her symptoms had escalated rapidly. Despite being young and a non-smoker, her symptoms were concerning enough to prompt a full clinical workup. A CT scan at Sharda Care Healthcity revealed a suspicious mass near the mediastinum (central chest cavity), and further investigation through a whole-body PET scan showed high metabolic activity (FDG uptake) localized in the upper left lung. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis—she was suffering from adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer that is increasingly being seen in younger, non-smoking individuals, especially women. Given the aggressive local progression, a multidisciplinary tumor board developed a treatment plan combining weekly chemotherapy using Gemcitabine and Carboplatin, and concurrent radiotherapy to maximize tumor control.
Dr. Anil Thakwani, Director – Clinical Oncology, Sharda Care Healthcity, Greater Noida, said,“Lung cancer was once considered a disease of the elderly, primarily linked to smoking, but it is now increasingly being seen in younger individuals, especially those over 30s. Adenocarcinoma in young non-smokers is on the rise—and often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. This made her case extremely challenging. What made this case particularly complex was the patient’s age, her non-smoking history, and the fact that the tumor had progressed locally but aggressively without prior detection. Additionally, the tumor’s proximity to the mediastinum—a highly sensitive area near the heart and major vessels—added significant complexity to both diagnosis and treatment planning. Many patients like her may ignore vague symptoms or get misdiagnosed in the early stages.”
“We chose Gemcitabine and Carboplatin—a conventional but highly effective combination—for its proven track record in treating adenocarcinoma. Radiation therapy was administered concurrently to boost local control. Despite the advanced nature of the tumor, the patient tolerated the regimen exceptionally well, and her symptoms resolved entirely by the end of treatment. Just three months after initiating therapy, follow-up imaging showed minimal residual disease—underscoring the effectiveness of timely, precision-guided treatment. This case reinforces the importance of early, accurate diagnosis, especially in patients who don’t fit the traditional risk profile, and highlights the role of coordinated, multidisciplinary, and personalized care in achieving the best outcomes. It also defies the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to cancer treatment—demonstrating that personalized regimens, even when conventional, can deliver powerful results. The next phase will involve immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy based on molecular marker testing.,” he added.
Mr. Rishabh Gupta, Vice President, Sharda Care – Healthcity said, “At Sharda, we bring together global care and holistic healing. This case highlights the growing need for precision-driven, integrated oncology care—especially when managing high-risk cases across borders. That we could provide such care to a young woman from another continent, and help her reclaim her health and future, is a proud moment for us. We combine world-cl-ass diagnostics, experienced clinicians, and holistic wellness to deliver meaningful outcomes—especially for the most vulnerable patients.”
“I was struggling to breathe… but now I feel like I’ve been given a second life,” says Mrs. Hama Sise (patient). “Overwhelmed with emotion, the patient expressed deep gratitude to the team. “Back home, my breathlessness was getting worse, but I never thought it could be cancer—especially because I don’t smoke. When I reached India, I was scared. But the team at Sharda treated me with kindness, explained every step, and gave me the strength to fight. Now I feel like I’ve been given a second life.”
Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced radiotherapy systems, and a dedicated multidisciplinary tumor board, Sharda Care – Healthcity offers world-cl-ass, personalized oncology care. With a growing international footprint, the facility continues to bridge global care gaps through high-end, patient-centric cancer solutions.