A New Jersey woman, Pamela Goldberger, has been given a second chance at life thanks to a new cancer therapy. Diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, Goldberger faced a grim prognosis with an average survival rate of just 14 to 16 months. However, after participating in a clinical trial for a personalized stem cell therapy, her condition has improved dramatically.
Goldberger’s journey began with subtle symptoms, which escalated to a severe bout of nausea. A neurological test revealed a brain tumor, leading to emergency hospitalization. The head of neurosurgery at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, suggested a clinical trial for an individually tailored stem cell treatment. After surgery, Goldberger underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation followed by the experimental cell therapy.
The treatment, known as DOC1021, was developed by Diakonos Oncology and involves using the patient’s own tumor cells to create an immune therapy vaccine. The trial showed positive immune responses and improved survival rates, with the therapy proving safe and well-tolerated. After the treatment, Goldberger began to feel like herself again, gradually recovering over the subsequent months.
Currently 2-½ years post-diagnosis, Goldberger is alive, healthy, and able to engage in activities she previously thought impossible, such as playing tennis several times a week. Medical professionals are optimistic about the therapy’s potential, emphasizing that it represents a significant advancement in the fight against glioblastoma.
The success of the clinical trial has generated interest in similar treatments for other cancers. Researchers are now moving towards broader trials, expanding the availability of this therapy to more hospitals across the country. Goldberger’s story underscores the transformative potential of personalized medicine in oncology, offering hope to patients with aggressive cancers.
With the phase 2 clinical trial set to begin, the medical community continues to monitor the outcomes of the treatment, hoping it will lead to new standards in cancer care. Goldberger’s experience serves as a testament to the power of combined medical advancements and patient dedication in overcoming seemingly insurmountable health challenges.