US resident travels to HKU-Shenzhen Hospital for gastroesophageal junction cancer care
A Hong Kong-born patient received repeat investigations and joint specialist planning after travelling from the United States to Shenzhen.
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The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital has described the care of a Hong Kong-born man who had lived in the United States for more than 30 years. Mr Lin, a pseudonym, travelled to Shenzhen in March 2026 after being diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Diagnosis before the journey
Lin was 62 when his illness was being assessed. He developed recurring discomfort around the breastbone and stomach in September 2025. Initial treatment for a suspected cardiac problem did not relieve the symptoms. He was diagnosed in the United States in February 2026 with clinical stage III disease, recorded as cT3N2M0.
His care also had to account for asthma and coronary heart disease requiring long-term medication, as well as previous bilateral inguinal hernia repairs and an appendectomy. Relatives with medical experience in Hong Kong suggested that he consult HKU-Shenzhen Hospital.
Three days of reassessment in Shenzhen
After arriving from the United States, Lin attended gastrointestinal surgery at the international medical centre. He completed endoscopy, imaging and pathology review within three days.
Gastroscopy showed an ulcerated lower-oesophageal mass involving the cardia. Endoscopic ultrasound and contrast-enhanced chest and abdominal CT further assessed its outward invasion. Small solid lung nodules were also reviewed; the report described suspected inflammatory granulomas or intrapulmonary lymph nodes rather than diagnosing metastatic disease.
Joint planning and a documented partial response
The Shenzhen gastrointestinal team, including Yang Xuefei and Feng Xuedong, discussed the case with specialists from Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, and oncologist Pan Hongming. They chose FLOT with immunotherapy, followed by reassessment of surgery.
The hospital’s August account reported tumour shrinkage and a partial response, or PR, after treatment, and named durvalumab as the immunotherapy used. Lin described discussions with a medical team that compared the benefits and drawbacks of treatment options. His family remained involved, including a visit from his son during treatment in June.