Immunotherapy Means Freedom: Mike's Kidney Cancer Story

0 Views

06/26/23

“I don’t feel like I have cancer.” After his kidney cancer diagnosis, Mike’s immunotherapy treatments allow him to live a normal, happy life spending time with his children and grandchildren. #CIM21 #Immune2Cancer #CancerStory

In 2019, Mike Blevins felt a deep, sharp pain in his side and went to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). He called his daughter, a surgical tech, who told him to get a second opinion. The second doctor confirmed the diagnosis, found that cancer had metastasized, and recommended a clinical trial combining two immunotherapies: ipilimumab (Yervoy®) and nivolumab (Opdivo®). After another conversation with his family, Mike decided to enroll and, over the course of 10 months, the tumor shrank from 7.8cm to just about 3cm. After two years of stability, the tumors started to grow again and Mike began a new regimen combining different immunotherapy, pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), with chemotherapy. Recently retired, Mike now enjoys time with his kids and grandchildren, grateful to his family for their lifesaving advice and support along the way. https://www.cancerresearch.org..../patients/immunocomm

This video is part of the 9th Annual Cancer Immunotherapy Month™ in June 2021, hosted by the Cancer Research Institute. Help us raise awareness of the lifesaving potential of immunotherapy for all types of cancer. Let's fuel the next scientific discoveries and breakthrough treatments through learning, engagement, and storytelling. https://www.cancerresearch.org/june

Immunotherapy patient stories are part of the Cancer Research Institute's Answer to Cancer Patient Education Program. Established in 1953, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing our immune system’s power to control and potentially cure all cancers. Our mission: Save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. To accomplish this, we rely on donor support and collaborative partnerships to fund and carry out the most innovative clinical and laboratory research around the world, support the next generation of the field’s leaders, and serve as the trusted source of information on immunotherapy for cancer patients and their caregivers. https://www.cancerresearch.org

Cancer Research Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1837442. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.