How a Life-Changing Clinical Trial Transformed My Health Journey
A Survivor’s Journey: Beating Stage III Pancreatic Cancer
In late 2015, Bob Minetti began experiencing persistent abdominal discomfort, which soon spread to his lower back. After consulting with his physician, a series of thorough tests, including blood work and imaging scans, led to a life-altering diagnosis in March 2016: stage III pancreatic cancer. The tumor’s proximity to a critical blood vessel posed significant challenges for treatment.
Innovative Treatment Through a Clinical Trial
At the time of his diagnosis, Bob was actively involved with the fundraising efforts at the Mass General Cancer Center in Boston, making him well-acquainted with the medical team. Under the care of oncologist Dr. David Ryan and radiation specialist Dr. Theodore Hong, Bob enrolled in a groundbreaking clinical trial that combined the chemotherapy regimen FOLFIRINOX with the blood pressure medication losartan. Remarkably, losartan helps soften the rigid outer layer of pancreatic tumors, enhancing the efficacy of FOLFIRINOX by allowing better penetration and destruction of the tumor.
Bob underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy, followed by proton beam radiation. Despite the potency of FOLFIRINOX, he managed the side effects well, experiencing fatigue and a lack of appetite but thankfully avoiding nausea.
Surgery and Recovery
The combination therapy proved successful, shrinking Bob’s tumor sufficiently for him to undergo Whipple surgery on September 16, 2016, performed by Dr. Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo at Mass General. Bob’s recovery was smooth, and he did not require any additional treatment post-surgery.
Celebrating Life After Cancer
Fast forward five years, and Bob is thriving in remission. His life has returned to a sense of normalcy, although he does need to take Creon pancreatic enzymes with meals. His oncologists attribute part of his successful treatment to the use of losartan, believing it played a crucial role in the effectiveness of FOLFIRINOX.
To ensure ongoing health, Bob has been undergoing CT scans every six months since his treatment ended, with his next appointment scheduled for September. The future remains uncertain regarding whether he will transition to annual scans, but he remains optimistic.
"I’m grateful to share that life is good!" Bob declares, reflecting on his journey from cancer diagnosis to survival.
How to Find Clinical Trials
If you or a loved one is seeking information on clinical trials for cancer treatment, consider exploring resources like the National Cancer Institute for comprehensive guidance on finding suitable options.
For additional insights into navigating clinical trials, check out our guide on How to Find a Clinical Trial.
