A woman from New Jersey has been given a remarkable opportunity to continue her life, all thanks to a revolutionary cancer therapy. Pamela Goldberger, aged 65, received a devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma in 2023. This diagnosis typically comes with a survival rate of only 14 to 16 months, even with surgical intervention.
Goldberger first noticed symptoms that were subtle, aside from a severe bout of nausea. However, it wasn’t until one evening during dinner when she used her fork as a knife and vice versa that she realized something was wrong. After undergoing neurological testing at the ER, including MRIs and a CAT scan, it was confirmed that she had a brain tumor.
Following the diagnosis, Goldberger was admitted to the hospital and scheduled for brain surgery. Instead of opting for the standard treatment, the head of neurosurgery at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, offered her the chance to participate in a clinical trial for a personalized dendritic cell therapy to treat glioblastoma – an opportunity she accepted.
The treatment involved six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation post-surgery, followed by six weeks of investigational cell therapy, and then a year of chemotherapy maintenance. Goldberger mentioned that her recovery was slow but steady, and she began to feel like herself again once the oral chemotherapy concluded.
Today, 2-½ years after her initial diagnosis, she is healthy, alive, and able to enjoy activities like playing tennis several times a week. The clinical trial, led by Dr. Joseph Georges at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, aimed to address the stagnant survival rates of glioblastoma over the past two decades.
The treatment involves creating a vaccine from a patient’s tumor during surgery to prime the immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. The trial showed promising results, with improved survival rates and minimal side effects.
Goldberger continues to have regular check-ins with her medical team and expressed her joy in being able to live her best life without restrictions. For other glioblastoma patients, she recommends considering clinical trial opportunities if available, along with taking their healing journey seriously by following medical advice and surrounding themselves with positivity and happiness.
Patients with recurrent glioblastoma should consider looking into clinical trials for potential treatment options, according to experts.
Diakonos Oncology recently announced the dosing of the first patient in a phase 2 clinical trial for DOC1021. The trial will be available at 20 sites across the country, offering hope for patients battling this aggressive form of brain cancer.
