Back to the Classroom: Focused Ultrasound Clinical Trial Helps Patient Return to the Life He Loves
Key Points
- Gwangbok Yoo, who runs an architectural technical training institute in South Korea, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022.
- After participating in a clinical trial at Seoul National University Hospital, his daily routine has returned to what it was before his diagnosis.
At 64 years old, Gwangbok Yoo leads a life that would leave many people half his age struggling to keep up. A longtime construction professional in South Korea, he now runs a technical training institute where he teaches architecture and interior design. He also shares educational content on YouTube and considers himself both physically and mentally active.
When a persistent pain appeared after lunch one day in the spring of 2022, cancer was the last thing on his mind. “It wasn’t severe,” Gwangbok recalled. “Just a discomfort I’d never experienced before.”
The pain returned the next day. And the day after that.
Recognizing that something wasn’t right, he visited a local clinic. An ultrasound led to a CT scan, which led to a referral to Seoul National University Hospital. After additional imaging and a biopsy, he received the devastating news that he had pancreatic cancer.
“I thought it would be inflammation or something temporary,” he said. “When I heard the words ‘pancreatic cancer,’ it felt like the world collapsed.”
The diagnosis was especially difficult to comprehend because Gwangbok had always considered himself healthy. He had quit smoking years earlier, rarely drank alcohol, and had never experienced digestive problems or other warning signs.
His medical team recommended chemotherapy with the goal of shrinking the tumor enough to make surgery possible. They also offered him the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial evaluating high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in combination with chemotherapy.
“I felt like I was grabbing onto even the smallest hope,” he said.
Before that conversation, Gwangbok had never heard of HIFU or realized that ultrasound technology could be used to treat cancer. After learning more from his physician, he felt confident enrolling in the study.
Although he was understandably nervous before his first treatment, the experience quickly eased his concerns. “I worried about whether it would hurt or feel strange,” he said. “But once the treatment started, all those worries disappeared.”
The treatment itself was straightforward. Following chemotherapy, Gwangbok underwent HIFU, during which physicians used ultrasound guidance to precisely target the tumor. Aside from a slight feeling of pressure on his abdomen, he experienced no pain.
What stayed with him most, however, were the conversations with his doctor after each session. “Every time, the doctor would tell me the tumor was getting smaller,” he said. “Hearing that gave me strength.”
He underwent four HIFU treatments alongside chemotherapy, followed by eight additional rounds of chemotherapy. The combined approach ultimately reduced the tumor enough to make surgery possible.
While chemotherapy brought challenges—including a significant loss of appetite—he says the encouragement he received throughout treatment helped sustain him. “Each time I left the hospital,” he said, “I felt more hopeful.”
Today, Gwangbok has returned to the busy life he enjoys. He continues teaching at his institute, conducts weekend classes, and remains active on YouTube. His daily routine looks much the same as it did before his diagnosis.
Reflecting on his experience, Gwangbok is grateful not only for his care team but also for the opportunity to participate in the clinical trial. “I was fortunate to receive this treatment,” he said. “I hope many more patients will have the same opportunity.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s support of the research. “I didn’t have to worry about the cost of the HIFU treatment because it was covered through the trial,” he said. “I’m truly grateful that the Foundation made it possible for patients like me to access this advanced technology. I hope many others can benefit from it, too.”