Korea University Medicine successfully treats rhabdomyosarcoma patient from Madagascar

Korea University Medicine (KU Medicine) has granted a new lease on life to Rasoarimanana Efragi, a 29-year-old female from Madagascar, who has been fighting rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the muscles.

On Wednesday, KU Medicine announced the successful completion of Efragi’s surgery. This operation was part of the Korea University College of Medicine’s 100th-anniversary initiative, the “KU Medicine Global Aid Project.” The project covered all of Efragi’s medical expenses, including the costly surgery, which was significant given Efragi’s status as an international patient.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can arise in any part of the body but is most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Efragi has been contending with this cancer since her teenage years. The exact cause of this rare cancer is unknown, and because this condition is virtually unheard of in advanced countries and is primarily seen in places with limited medical resources, survival rates are not typically monitored in these areas, said a KU Medicine spokesperson. 

Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In Efragi's case, the tumor, which measured over 20 centimeters on the right side of her face, was necrotic and highly prone to infection.

Missionary Dr. Lee Jae-hoon, a KU Medicine alumnus with more than 20 years of medical service and frequent volunteer work in Madagascar, learned of Efragi’s critical condition and sought assistance from KU Medicine. With support from international NGO Mentoris and various religious organizations, he facilitated Efragi’s arrival in Korea in February.

A multidisciplinary surgical team, including Professor Park Jun-eun from the Department of Pediatrics, Professor Baek Seung-kuk from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, and Professor Chung Jae-ho from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital (KUAH), worked collaboratively to treat Efragi.

Following three weeks of chemotherapy, the team successfully performed the surgery to remove the tumor. Efragi then underwent two months of radiation therapy, which not only helped restore her facial appearance but also improved her vision in the right eye, previously obstructed by the tumor. She spent a total of five months in the hospital.

Professor Park, Efragi’s attending physician at KUAH, expressed relief at the successful outcome. “Initially, I was concerned because the tumor was larger than anticipated. I am pleased with the results and hope she enjoys a bright future with her daughter in Madagascar,” he said.

Dr. Lee Sung-woo, vice president of KUAH, added, “It’s heartening to see Efragi smiling. I extend my heartfelt congratulations on her discharge.”

Efragi expressed profound gratitude to KU Medicine. “I am incredibly thankful to KU Medicine for giving me a new life,” she said. “Despite the challenges of a long hospital stay, I am deeply grateful to the professors and nurses. I want to thank every medical staff member who cared for me day and night.”

Looking ahead, KU Medicine plans to broaden its humanitarian outreach with the KU Medicine Global Aid Project. This initiative aims to treat 100 patients from underdeveloped countries and bring 100 medical professionals from these regions to Korea to facilitate the transfer of advanced medical technology. Both efforts are scheduled to be completed by 2028, marking KU Medicine's 100th anniversary.