Taking a chance. Finding a miracle.
Claud’s diagnosis of Stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer in 2015 shook him — and understandably so. Lung and colorectal
cancers claimed his father, mother, three sisters, and maternal grandfather.
After surgery and radiation, his doctor suggested immunotherapy, which triggers the body’s immune system with genetically
modified viruses to fight the cancer cells. It had the potential of being a real game changer in his care and life.
“My doctor told me that if he were in my position, he’d try the immunotherapy,” Claud said. “That was pretty powerful to hear.”
Claud felt this might be his miracle. He enrolled in the trial without hesitation and receives a combination of chemotherapy,
immunotherapy, and an inhibitor of tumor blood supply.
He’s happy his participation may help others, too. He will continue immunotherapy for as long as it’s effective.
Four years after diagnosis, he has more time to do what he loves — cooking, reading, watching Pittsburgh’s sports teams,
and spending time with his family. “I have my life back,” Claud said. “My case shows how far cancer treatment has come.”
Results of the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated improved responses and better survival
in patients receiving the experimental therapy.