Following three decades of service in the U.S. Navy, including involvement in the nuclear power program during the Cuban Missile Crisis, John Ryan faced another formidable foe: stage 4 lung cancer. His journey began in 2013 with a troubling symptom – coughing up blood. A trip to the emergency room confirmed the devastating diagnosis of adenocarcinoma.
Initial chemotherapy treatments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center proved ineffective, leaving Ryan struggling with debilitating side effects. Seeking another option, he consulted with Dr. Julie Brahmer at Johns Hopkins, who enrolled him in a clinical trial for immunotherapy. This innovative treatment harnesses the body's own immune system to combat cancer.
The immunotherapy regimen, involving nivolumab infusions, yielded remarkable results. Within nine weeks, Ryan's tumor size decreased by 65%, eventually shrinking by 84%. He also received targeted radiation therapy, further halting the tumor's growth with minimal side effects. While Ryan experienced a setback with pneumonitis, a potential long-term side effect of immunotherapy, his perseverance and positive attitude, nurtured by his faith and the support of his family, helped him through this challenge.
After an extensive 100-month immunotherapy journey, involving numerous trips to Johns Hopkins and over 225 infusions, Ryan is now cancer-free. He credits his medical team, his faith, and a resilient mindset for his victory. Ryan's story underscores the potential of immunotherapy as a powerful weapon against cancer, offering hope for long-term disease control and even a cure.
Dr. Brahmer, speaking at a seminar, highlighted immunotherapy's growing role in lung cancer treatment, calling it a "new foundation" for battling the disease. She emphasized the importance of patients exploring immunotherapy as a potential treatment option, regardless of their cancer stage or type.
Ryan's experience exemplifies the transformative impact of clinical trials and the promise of immunotherapy in the fight against cancer. He encourages others facing similar battles to remain hopeful, draw strength from their support systems, and explore all available treatment avenues.
