West Wake News

Chris Biggar, a Durham resident, experienced a sharp abdominal pain in September 2022, leading to a diagnosis of stage four metastatic colorectal cancer at Duke University Hospital. Initially fearing liver disease, Biggar said, “It was full-blown metastatic colorectal cancer, stage four.”

Biggar was informed he had a rare subtype of colon cancer that responds well to immunotherapy, a treatment choice explained by Duke medical oncologist Nicholas C. DeVito, MD. Speaking about the approach to Biggar's treatment, Dr. DeVito said, “The first step is always the most important in oncology, and here, we get the first step. The thing that Duke did right with Chris, and that we do right with a lot of people, is getting that initial treatment plan really, really lined up and making sure that everyone knows what everyone else is thinking -- including the patient.”

Despite not knowing much about immunotherapy, Biggar emphasized his trust in Dr. DeVito, saying, “I was ready and willing to trust Dr. DeVito, and I’m very glad I did.” He began immunotherapy soon after.

Over the following months, Biggar faced numerous health challenges, including a pulmonary embolism, blood clots, and a bowel obstruction. Christopher Mantyh, MD, performed surgery to resolve the obstruction and created an ileostomy. During this period, Biggar noted, “From November until about mid-January, I was at my sickest. I was losing weight. I couldn't eat. Things were not looking great. But in January I started feeling better. I felt like we were winning.”

In July 2023, Biggar underwent further surgeries. Michael Lidsky, MD, a Duke surgical oncologist, removed a liver tumor, and Dr. Mantyh reversed the ileostomy after reattaching Biggar's colon. Describing the surgeries and their impact, Mantyh explained, “Taking a third of your colon out really does not alter the way you eat or your bowel function in general. It's extraordinarily well tolerated.” Plastic surgeon Detlev Erdmann, MD, PhD, MHSc, then reconstructed Biggar’s abdominal wall.

Completed immunotherapy by June 2024, Biggar's scans were reported clear. Dr. DeVito indicated there was a high chance of no recurrence, while Dr. Mantyh attributed Chris's recovery to Duke's expertise and advancements in cancer treatment. Mantyh affirmed, “This is something that we weren't doing 10 years ago, or even five years ago. I think Chris has an excellent prognosis going forward.”

Today, Biggar engages in active advocacy to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. He contributed to having March declared Colorectal Cancer Month and participated in a 5K event for the cause. “I do it all for the other patients and future patients,” Biggar remarked. “Everybody deserves the kind of care I got at Duke.”