First patient receives innovative new treatment after stage 4 cancer diagnosis

When Inland Empire resident David Gutierrez first noticed blood in his stool, he assumed it was related to years of heavy drinking.

"I was trying to convince myself it was drinking, it was hemorrhoids, it was something else," Gutierrez said. "When it started getting worse, that's when I knew it was more serious."

In October 2024, after months of worsening symptoms that included persistent diarrhea and bleeding, the 47-year-old sought medical attention. Within weeks, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to his liver.

After more than a year of chemotherapy, radiation and uncertainty, Gutierrez is marking a new milestone in his cancer journey as the first patient at Loma Linda University Health to receive a hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump, an advanced treatment designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to liver tumors.

The pump, which was implanted in late April, offers a new option for select patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. By delivering chemotherapy directly through the liver's blood supply, physicians can target tumors with higher doses while limiting many of the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

"This is a very major milestone for Loma Linda," said Emanuel Eguia, MD, surgical oncologist at Loma Linda University Health. "Prior to this program, patients with stage 4 colon cancer and unresectable liver disease had very limited options. Now we're able to offer a treatment that can significantly improve outcomes for appropriately selected patients."

Patient David Gutierrez immediately after receiving his first dose of chemotherapy through the HAI pump. Gutierrez shares that he experienced no pain during the infusion and has not endured many side effects in the days after the session.

A new option after months of treatment

Gutierrez's cancer journey has included more than a year of treatment. After doctors discovered a large colorectal tumor and multiple tumors in his liver, he began chemotherapy in January 2025. Later, he underwent radiation therapy to help control the primary tumor.

While treatment helped stabilize his disease, the cancer in his liver remained too extensive for surgery.

That's where HAI therapy comes in.

"The goal is to shrink the liver metastases and increase the chance that surgery becomes possible in the future," said Hamid Mirshahidi, MD, medical oncologist at Loma Linda University Cancer Center. "This is a curative-intent approach for selected patients."

For some patients, shrinking liver tumors can make it possible to surgically remove the remaining cancer, something that was not an option before.

"What the pump does is help shrink the tumors and get them to a size where we can then convert patients to surgery," Eguia said. "About 50% to 60% of patients on this type of treatment can go from unresectable disease to being able to undergo surgery."

Dr. Hamid Mirshahidi joins his patient David Gutierrez during his first session of chemotherapy through the HAI pump on May 27, 2026.

Bringing advanced cancer care closer to home

The launch of the HAI program represents a significant expansion of advanced cancer care in the region. Developing the program required coordination among surgeons, medical oncologists, pharmacists, nurses, and support staff, making LLUH one of only a handful of centers in Southern California currently offering the treatment.

For patients throughout this area, access close to home can make a meaningful difference.

"The closest facilities providing this treatment have traditionally been in Los Angeles," Eguia said. "Now patients in the Inland Empire and desert communities have access to this therapy much closer to home."

Mirshahidi says the treatment offers hope for patients whose cancer is confined to the liver but cannot yet be surgically removed.

"Since the patient is not a candidate for surgery right now, hepatic artery infusion can increase his chance for possible resection in the future and potentially a cure," Mirshahidi said.

Gutierrez will continue receiving HAI therapy and systemic chemotherapy while his care team monitors his response in the months ahead.

Patient David Gutierrez will continue receiving systemic chemotherapy through this port on his chest while also receiving the HAI infusion therapy.

Finding strength through faith

Throughout his diagnosis and treatment, Gutierrez says his faith has helped him remain hopeful.

"When they told me I had stage 4 cancer, it hit my family harder than it hit me," he said. "I've put it in God's hands. I know that no matter what situation comes at us, we're going to be okay."

He also hopes sharing his story encourages others not to ignore symptoms that may seem minor at first.

"I had friends reach out to me after I shared my story because they were having symptoms too," Gutierrez said. "I want people to know to get checked."

For now, he remains focused on his family and the opportunities ahead.

"I've been a fighter all my life," he said. "I'm not giving up."

Learn more

Loma Linda University Cancer Center's Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump program offers advanced treatment for select patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver and certain bile duct cancers. To learn more about HAI therapy, visit the Cancer Center's HAI program page or call 800-782-2623 to request a referral or ask questions.