Facing a grim 24-month prognosis due to aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer, Tina Willits, a 53-year-old Florida mother and grandmother, refused to give up. Her determination led her to explore alternative treatments, ultimately finding hope in immunotherapy. This innovative approach, which harnesses the body's immune system to combat cancer cells, proved to be a game-changer for Willits. After undergoing a course of immunotherapy combined with supplements and cryoablation, a procedure that freezes and destroys cancer cells, Willits achieved a remarkable outcome: complete remission. She now shares her story to raise awareness about immunotherapy and offer hope to other women battling breast cancer.
Diagnosed in 2022 after discovering a lump, Willits' cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes, ribs, spine, sternum, and bones. Initial treatment options were limited, and she was advised to focus on palliative care. Unwilling to accept this fate, Willits began researching alternative therapies and discovered Dr. Jason R. Williams of The Williams Cancer Institute. Dr. Williams, a proponent of immunotherapy, offered Willits a glimmer of hope. He explained that immunotherapy, unlike traditional cancer treatments, trains the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, offering the potential for long-term remission and even cures.
Dr. Williams' confidence and the promising potential of immunotherapy convinced Willits to pursue this treatment. Six weeks after commencing the therapy, a PET scan revealed that her cancer had vanished. Now cancer-free, Willits credits Dr. Williams and immunotherapy for her miraculous recovery. She emphasizes the importance of exploring all available treatment options, encouraging others to consider immunotherapy as a potential lifeline. While acknowledging that immunotherapy isn't a universal solution and carries potential risks, particularly for patients with autoimmune diseases, Dr. Williams believes it holds immense promise for the future of cancer treatment.
Dr. Brian Slomovitz, an oncologist not involved in Willits’ case, cautions that immunotherapy is not effective for all patients and careful selection is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize risks. He acknowledges the transformative impact of immunotherapy on cancer treatment and anticipates further advancements in the field. Willits' story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of immunotherapy and the importance of patient advocacy in exploring all treatment avenues. She now dedicates her time to raising awareness about this innovative approach, hoping to empower other women to seek out potentially life-saving options.
