Experimental drug treatment miraculously cures man’s deadly brain cancer

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A gentleman with the most severe type of brain cancer has shown no signs of the disease following treatment with an experimental drug.

At the age of 40, Ben Trotman was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022, the most aggressive form of cancerous brain tumor. Typically, patients survive an average of 15 months post-diagnosis, with a five-year survival rate of only 6.9%.

Trotman was treated at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) by consultant UCLH medical oncologist Dr. Paul Mulholland, according to a press release.

As the sole participant in a trial that was ultimately closed due to a lack of participants, Trotman received a drug called ipilimumab, a targeted immunotherapy treatment.

Ipilimumab is an antibody that attaches to a protein on immune cells (T cells), preventing cancer cells from suppressing the immune system. This allows the immune system to attack and eliminate the cancer, as explained by the National Cancer Institute.

Ben Trotman, seen with his wife Emily and daughter Mabel, was diagnosed with glioblastoma at the age of 40 in 2022. (Marie Mangan via University College London)

Trotman also underwent radiation and chemotherapy. Over two years later, his quarterly scans show no evidence of cancer.

“Having a clear scan with glioblastoma is very uncommon, particularly without the planned follow-up surgery to remove all visible tumor,” remarked his oncologist, Mulholland, in the release. 

“We felt we had a lucky break in an otherwise devastating situation.”

“We are hopeful that the immunotherapy and subsequent treatment Ben received will keep his tumor in check – and so far, it has, which is a great relief to see.”

Two months after receiving ipilimumab, Trotman married Emily. In April 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel.

Two months after receiving ipilimumab, Trotman married Emily. In April 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel. (Ben and Emily Trotman via University College London)

“Receiving this diagnosis was incredibly traumatic – we were coming to terms with the fact that Ben had gone from being seemingly healthy to having a limited time to live,” expressed Emily Trotman in the release. 

“If we hadn’t met Dr. Mulholland, that would have been the end for us. We feel fortunate to have had a stroke of luck in an otherwise dire situation.”

Ben Trotman added, “We cannot predict what lies ahead, but undergoing immunotherapy treatment and receiving these positive scan results has given us some hope.”

Dr. Paul Mulholland (left) is pictured with Dame Siobhain McDonagh (right), who raised funds to support a new trial for the experimental glioblastoma medication. (Marie Mangan via University College London)

“Our focus is on rebuilding the life we believed we had lost and enjoying the journey of parenthood.”

Mulholland and his team have initiated a new clinical trial for patients recently diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Sixteen patients will be enrolled in the trial, sponsored by UCL. Treatment will be conducted at the NIHR UCLH’s Clinical Research Facility and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, per the press release.

“The key aspect of this trial is that patients will have their immune system bolstered by the drug before any other treatment, when they are in good enough health to withstand the immunotherapy,” Mulholland stated in the release.

The Win-Glio trial, also known as “Margaret’s Trial,” is supported by Dame Siobhain McDonagh, sister of Margaret McDonagh, a London resident who passed away from glioblastoma in 2023 and was treated by Mulholland.

Ben expressed his delight that the new trial will proceed with the same immunotherapy drug he received. 

“It will offer newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients some hope.”

In a shocking turn of events, a 10-year-old boy in Texas has been hailed as a hero after he saved his sister from a dog attack. The incident occurred in their backyard when a neighbor’s dog suddenly turned aggressive and started attacking the young girl. Without hesitation, the boy jumped into action and managed to pull the dog off his sister, sustaining minor injuries in the process.

The boy’s quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger have been commended by local authorities, who are now investigating the incident. The dog has been taken into custody by animal control, and the owner could potentially face charges for the attack.

The siblings were shaken but thankfully escaped serious harm, thanks to the boy’s heroic actions. The family is grateful for his courage and quick response, and they are now focused on supporting each other through this traumatic experience.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of teaching children how to stay safe around animals and the value of remaining calm in emergency situations. It also highlights the bond between siblings and the instinct to protect one another in times of need.