When Canberra father of two, Mark Thompson, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, he was given just months to live. But thanks to a pioneering research clinic at the Australian National University (ANU), his life has been extended by a decade.
From Death Sentence to Decade of Life
In 2014, Thompson was diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Doctors told him he had only 12 to 18 months left. However, he was referred to the ANU's Clinical Trials and Research Unit, which was testing a new immunotherapy drug.
The treatment, a combination of two immunotherapy agents, shrank his tumors significantly. Thompson has now survived for 10 years past his initial prognosis, a result that his oncologist, Dr. Michael Millward, calls “remarkable.”
How the Clinic Works
The ANU clinic offers patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials that are not available elsewhere. According to Dr. Millward, “These trials are often the last hope for patients with rare or advanced cancers. Without them, many would have no treatment options.”
The clinic has treated over 1,000 patients since its inception, with many experiencing similar life-extending outcomes. Thompson’s case is one of the most successful, but it highlights the importance of continued investment in clinical research.
Impact on Thompson’s Family
Thompson says the extra decade has allowed him to watch his children grow up. “I’ve seen my daughter graduate high school and my son start university. Those are moments I never thought I’d see,” he said. He is now advocating for more funding for clinical trials in Australia.
The ANU clinic is currently seeking additional funding to expand its operations and offer more trials. Without such support, Dr. Millward warns that many patients may miss out on life-saving treatments.
