Grandfather Overcomes Late-stage Pancreatic Cancer Through Trial

WHO:

CBS News - Hernando Salcedo, an 83-year-old grandfather.

CBS News - Dr. Ripal Gandhi, the radiologist and oncologist who treated Salcedo.

CBS News - Mauricio Salcedo, Hernando's son.

WHAT:

CBS News - Hernando Salcedo was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer.

CBS News - The five-year survival rate for Stage III pancreatic cancer is just 15%, according to the American Cancer Society.

CBS News - Salcedo began chemotherapy in July 2025.

CBS News - Salcedo was not a candidate for surgery and was only offered aggressive chemotherapy.

CBS News - Salcedo participated in a clinical trial testing the RenovoCath chemotherapy delivery device.

CBS News - Clinical trial data showed 65% fewer adverse effects for patients treated with the catheter method compared to traditional chemotherapy.

CBS News - Participants using the catheter method saw a six-month increase in survival.

CBS News - Salcedo underwent treatment every other week for four months with the RenovoCath system.

CBS News - Salcedo's cancer has been stable since mid-April.

WHERE:

CBS News - Salcedo received treatment at the Miami Cancer Institute.

CBS News - Salcedo traveled to Colombia for his nephew's wedding.

WHEN:

CBS News - Salcedo noticed stomach swelling in May 2025.

CBS News - Salcedo began chemotherapy in July 2025.

CBS News - The RenovoCath system was first cleared for use by the FDA in 2014.

CBS News - Final trial data for the RenovoCath is expected to be published in late 2027.

WHY:

CBS News - Salcedo was not a candidate for surgery, leading to the only available treatment option being aggressive chemotherapy.

HOW:

CBS News - The RenovoCath system delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor site using a catheter with two balloons to isolate blood flow.

CBS News - Salcedo's case was presented to an expert panel for discussion of innovative treatments, including clinical trials.

(UPDATED July 26, 2026 10:28 UTC)

Hernando Salcedo, an 83-year-old grandfather, was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer, a condition with a five-year survival rate of just 15 percent. After beginning aggressive chemotherapy in July 2025, Salcedo participated in a clinical trial using the RenovoCath chemotherapy delivery device, which has shown promising results by reducing adverse effects and increasing survival time for patients. Since mid-April, Salcedo's cancer has remained stable following treatment at the Miami Cancer Institute, where he received therapy every other week for four months.