Pamela Goldberger, a 65-year-old woman from New Jersey, has become a beacon of hope for patients battling glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive and fatal form of brain cancer. Diagnosed in 2023, Goldberger was told she likely had only 14 to 16 months left to live, even with the best available treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, her prognosis took an unexpected turn after she enrolled in an experimental cell therapy clinical trial, which has shown promising results in treating the disease.
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most malignant brain tumors. It is highly invasive and resistant to treatment, leading to a grim prognosis for most patients. According to Dr. Joseph Georges, a neurosurgeon at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, who led the clinical trial, survival rates for glioblastoma have not significantly improved in the past 20 years. The tumor is not only difficult to remove surgically but also has the ability to evade the body’s immune system, making it an exceptionally challenging cancer to treat.
Goldberger’s story began with subtle but concerning symptoms. Initially, she experienced severe nausea, which she attributed to other causes until one evening, she accidentally used her fork as if it were a knife and vice versa. This alarming incident prompted her to seek urgent medical attention. After a series of neurological tests, including MRIs and a CT scan, a brain tumor was detected, leading to immediate hospitalization and a scheduled surgery.
Despite the severity of her condition, Goldberger was offered an alternative to the standard treatment. Dr. Georges, the head of neurosurgery at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, invited her to participate in a clinical trial for an individualized dendritic cell therapy. This innovative treatment, developed by Diakonos Oncology, involves creating a personalized vaccine from the patient’s own tumor cells, which are then used to train the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
Goldberger’s participation in the trial followed a standard treatment protocol. After surgery, she underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, followed by six weeks of the investigational cell therapy, and a year of chemo maintenance. The healing process was described as gradual, with Goldberger reporting that she began to feel like herself again once the oral chemotherapy ended.
Two-and-a-half years after her diagnosis, Goldberger is alive, healthy, and actively enjoying life. She now plays tennis several times a week and is spending quality time with her grandchildren, who had once seemed out of reach. Her story has become an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, demonstrating the potential of immunotherapy in combating previously untreatable cancers.
According to a press release from Diakonos Oncology, the phase 1 clinical trial for DOC1021, their investigational dendritic cell therapy, showed overall positive results. The treatment was administered to 16 patients ranging in age from 47 to 73, all of whom were newly diagnosed with glioblastoma. The results indicate not only positive immune responses but also improved survival rates, with the treatment being safe and having minimal side effects, even at high doses.
Dr. Georges emphasized that the treatment’s unique approach involves creating a vaccine directly from the patient’s tumor, which is collected during surgery. This process allows the immune system to learn how to identify and eliminate all the various cell types of the tumor, including the smallest cells that might escape surgical removal. The trial’s success marks a significant step forward in the fight against glioblastoma, offering a potential new avenue for treatment that could change the outlook for patients.
Goldberger’s experience also underscores the importance of patient engagement and adherence to treatment protocols. She emphasized the role of a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest, in her recovery. Alongside her medical treatment, these factors contributed to her improved quality of life and positive outcomes. Her story serves as a reminder of the vital role that clinical trials play in advancing medical research and providing hope for patients with life-threatening conditions.
The success of the clinical trial has also prompted Diakonos Oncology to move forward with a phase 2 trial, which will be conducted at 20 sites across the country. This expansion highlights the growing interest in personalized immunotherapy as a potential game-changer in oncology. As more patients become aware of these groundbreaking treatments, the potential for improved survival rates and better patient outcomes continues to rise, offering a new sense of hope in the battle against cancer.
Goldberger’s journey continues as she remains in regular contact with her medical team, but her message remains clear: she is living her best life, and she encourages others to explore clinical trials and maintain a positive outlook. Her story is a testament to the power of medical innovation and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.