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New Jersey Woman Triumphs Over Brain Cancer with Innovative Stem Cell Treatment
A woman from New Jersey has achieved a remarkable victory against brain cancer, significantly altering the narrative surrounding glioblastoma treatment. At 65 years old, Pamela Goldberger defied a grim prognosis with the help of an experimental stem cell therapy.
Devastating Diagnosis
In early 2023, Goldberger received the life-altering news that she had developed glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer notorious for its aggressive nature and a typical survival rate of just 14 to 16 months after diagnosis, even post-surgery.
Her initial symptoms were subtle, starting with severe nausea and culminating one evening when simple dinner tasks became confusing. Goldberger recounted, “Using my fork as a knife and my knife as a fork was an alarming signal for me. That is when I realized something was seriously wrong.”
Emergency Intervention
Following this episode, Goldberger sought immediate help at the emergency room. There, neurological exams, including MRIs and CAT scans, uncovered the presence of a tumor in her brain.
Goldberger shared her emotional turmoil, stating, “It’s pretty devastating news to hear. I never imagined this was happening. In that moment, our lives came to a complete standstill.” The thought of not witnessing her grandchildren grow up was particularly heartbreaking for her.
A New Hope
Subsequent to her diagnosis, Goldberger faced surgery as the next step in her treatment plan. However, the head of neurosurgery at Cooper University Hospital introduced her to an alternative approach. He invited her to participate in a clinical trial for an individualized stem cell therapy aimed at tackling glioblastoma.
Goldberger chose to join the trial, which began after her surgery. She underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation before starting six weeks of the innovative cell therapy. This initial treatment was succeeded by a year of maintenance chemotherapy.
Transformative Treatment Outcomes
Goldberger reported a slow yet encouraging recovery, expressing that she began to feel like herself again after completing the oral chemotherapy. Today, over two and a half years post-diagnosis, she is not only alive but thriving, actively playing tennis multiple times a week.
Dr. Joseph Georges, a neurosurgeon at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix and the lead investigator in the clinical trial, explained that survival rates for glioblastoma have not changed in two decades. He noted, “This tumor is highly mutated, presenting various cell populations unique to each patient. Furthermore, it effectively neutralizes the body’s immune system’s ability to combat it.”
How the New Treatment Works
The new stem cell therapy primes the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells by creating a personalized vaccine derived from the patient’s own tumor collected during surgery.
Dr. Georges elaborated, “By identifying various tumor cell types, we instruct the immune system to target the tumor, including the smaller cells that sometimes evade surgical removal.”
Positive Results from Clinical Trials
The trial involved 16 participants aged between 47 and 73 years newly diagnosed with glioblastoma, including Goldberger. Following chemotherapy and radiation, these patients received three rounds of injections spaced two weeks apart and weekly injections of a pegylated interferon medication to help regulate their immune responses.
According to a press release from Diakonos Oncology, the organization behind the DOC1021 treatment, phase one clinical trials revealed promising results. Researchers observed improved immune responses and survival rates, with the treatment proving to be safe and exhibiting minimal side effects, even at higher doses.
Encouraging Developments
Dr. Georges expressed hope, stating, “Our aim is to stabilize the condition, and in some instances, we’re witnessing tumors disappearing from their MRIs. That’s unprecedented in glioblastoma cases.”
Goldberger continues to have regular follow-ups with her healthcare team, but she reports feeling great while making the most of her time with family, indulging in activities like tennis, attending social gatherings, reading, shopping, and traveling.
Emphasizing the Importance of Care
For others grappling with glioblastoma, Goldberger advocates for exploring clinical trial opportunities and emphasizes the significance of commitment during treatment. “I adhered closely to my doctors’ guidance,” she shared, adding that daily walks, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest played vital roles in her recovery.
Goldberger highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with positivity, saying, “I focused on activities that brought me joy, like spending time with my grandchildren and my family, and doing things that made me happy.”
A Message of Hope for Future Patients
Goldberger believes that her survival is a culmination of excellent medical care, participation in the clinical trial, and a bit of luck. Dr. Georges echoed this sentiment, advising patients with recurring glioblastoma to consider available clinical trials as a potential avenue for hope.
On July 22, Diakonos Oncology announced the commencement of a phase two clinical trial for DOC1021, which will take place at 20 locations across the country, expanding access to this promising treatment.
