With promising new treatments demonstrating increased survival rates and quality of life, innovative clinical studies at the Mayo Clinic give older GBM patients hope.
A 61-year-old patient named Nadya El-Afandi reveals her inspirational tale of perseverance and survival.
After completing therapy for breast cancer, 59-year-old Nadya El-Afandi received the shocking and devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, in June 2023.
Glioblastoma usually results in death; patients, especially those over 60, only live for a few months. However, a ground-breaking clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic gave El-Afandi’s path an optimistic turn.
Under the direction of Dr. Sujay Vora, the trial investigated the possibilities of proton beam radiation in conjunction with temozolomide, a cancer medication, and sophisticated imaging.
The outcomes were better than anticipated. The average survival time for study participants was 13 months, which is a considerable improvement over the typical 6 to 9 months.
Many reported a higher quality of life throughout therapy, and some even managed to survive for up to 22 months.
El-Afandi, who is currently a study participant, was diagnosed 17 months ago. She is having a great time with her family while on vacation in Hawaii, and her scans reveal no evidence of the tumor.
Despite the encouraging results, experts stress that more extensive research is necessary before this treatment is widely used.
Radiation oncologist Dr. Akila Viswanathan of Johns Hopkins described it as “a very positive approach” to enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Patients like El-Afandi may continue to overcome the odds and live longer, healthier lives in spite of this lethal malignancy as more trials move forward.
