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Liver Transplant Protocol for Bile Duct Cancer Becomes Standard of Care


Staff Highlight


Interventional Radiation: New Hope for Liver Cancer Patients Publication Highlight


Bile Duct Cancer 101


Hepatobiliary Cancers Research Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute


HEPATOBILIARY CANCERS RESEARCH PROGRAM NEWSLETTER – Spring 2012


Firsthand Account: Time Passes and Life Goes On


When Scott Franson developed bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), his life could have been over in his early forties. But thanks to the liver transplant protocol developed by surgeons in Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Hepatobiliary Cancers Research Program (HCRP), at age 46 he’s looking ahead to many cancer-free years.


“Te liver has functioned great since my transplant,” Scott says. “I’ve had a few ups and downs, but the liver has functioned perfectly. I’m in follow-up to make sure everything’s okay, and I take anti-rejection medicine.”


Te transplant has made it possible for Scott to return to his graphic design teaching position at BYU Idaho in Rexburg. “Being able to return to teaching and be with the students again is the best,” he says. “When my students are interested in different projects, I’ll find out for myself how to do what they want to do.”


Scott Franson looks forward to many cancer-free years after receiving a liver transplant to treat bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) in 2008. He says his wife, Brenda, helped him through rough parts of his treatment, reminding him that “time passes.”


For example, Franson tells of a student who was interested in textile design. “I wear bow ties, so I called a company that makes ties and worked with them to design and get some patterns made,” he says. “And they sold


continued on page 2 Advocacy Meeting Summary


Grace, grit, and gratitude are needed in dealing with cancer, according to Scott Franson, a Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) patient and bile duct cancer survivor and his caregiver-wife, Brenda. Tey highlighted the second Hepatobiliary Cancers Program patient advocacy meeting held in March.


Te meeting also featured talks on current research, new imaging techniques, and nutrition and exercise by HCI faculty and staff members.


Future patient advocacy meetings will be held every six months. If you would like to help or have suggestions, please contact Heather Tiesset, program coordinator, at 801-585-3098 or heather.thiesset@hsc.utah.edu.


HOW TO REACH US


Gastrointestinal Cancers Program 801-587-4422


1-877-624-4422 toll free www.huntsmancancer.org/ hepatobiliary


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