Cleveland Dad Fights Stage 4 Cancer with Innovative UH Treatment

Luke Williams' targeted chemotherapy pump allows him to maintain an active lifestyle while battling advanced colorectal cancer.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:25pm

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At just 41 years old, Luke Williams was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. After undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and major surgery, the cancer repeatedly returned to his liver. Doctors at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center then implanted a hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump, which delivers chemotherapy directly to his liver where the cancer is concentrated. This targeted approach has allowed Williams to continue coaching his daughter's sports teams and maintain a relatively normal life while fighting the advanced disease.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, with rates doubling since the 1990s for those under 50. Early detection through screening is crucial, but many eligible adults are not getting tested. Williams' case highlights the importance of screening and the potential of innovative treatments like the HAI pump to improve quality of life for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

The details

In December 2022, a colonoscopy revealed a large tumor in Williams' colon and four tumors on his liver, leading to a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. After initial treatment, the cancer kept returning to his liver, prompting doctors to implant the HAI pump in June 2024. This device delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver, reducing widespread side effects and allowing Williams to maintain an active lifestyle, including coaching his daughter's sports teams.

  • In December 2022, Williams was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at age 41.
  • In June 2023, Williams underwent major surgery to remove the tumors.
  • In June 2024, the HAI pump was implanted to deliver targeted chemotherapy to Williams' liver.

The players

Luke Williams

A 44-year-old father of two from North Ridgeville, Ohio, who is fighting stage 4 colorectal cancer with the help of an innovative treatment.

Dr. Lauren Henke

A radiation oncologist at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center who helped guide Williams' treatment, including the decision to use the HAI pump.

Dr. Melissa Lumish

A doctor at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center who says the HAI pump treatment reflects a broader, team-based approach and ongoing research efforts for advanced colorectal cancer.

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center

The cancer center that is providing Williams' innovative treatment, including the HAI pump and adaptive radiation therapy.

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What they’re saying

“[Henke] was like, 'I want to do something different and see what we can do.'”

— Luke Williams

“This highlights the forward-thinking, multidisciplinary care that we provide for young patients with colorectal cancer.”

— Dr. Melissa Lumish, Doctor, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center

“Adaptive radiation is basically to reshape and remake the radiation plan in the moment, live while the patient is on the treatment table.”

— Dr. Lauren Henke, Radiation Oncologist, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center

What’s next

Doctors say ongoing research and clinical trials will help them better understand which patients benefit most from the HAI pump and other innovative treatments for advanced colorectal cancer.

The takeaway

Williams' case highlights the importance of early screening and detection for colorectal cancer, as well as the potential of targeted therapies like the HAI pump to improve quality of life for patients with advanced disease. As colorectal cancer rates rise among younger adults, innovative treatments and a multidisciplinary approach to care are crucial.