Cancer biomarkers: Key tools in diagnosis and treatment
Man Sees Deadly Brain Cancer Vanish After Undergoing Experimental Treatment
Oscar Jaeger
Mon, July 21, 2025 at 5:31 AM UTC
3 min read
Ben Trotman, who has no signs of glioblastoma over two years after treatment, with his wife Emily and baby Mabel - Marie Mangan/UCLH
A man who was diagnosed with the deadliest form of brain cancer is in the clear after he underwent experimental treatment.
Ben Trotman is still showing no signs of glioblastoma, more than two years since he was given an immunotherapy drug in a world-first clinical trial.
Most people with glioblastoma die within 12-18 months.
Mr Trotman, 43, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2022. Two years and eight months on from having the treatment, his scans are clear and there are no signs of the tumour.
As a result of Mr Trotman's success, the NHS will seek to recruit 16 people over 18 months to undergo a new immunotherapy trial, which will be set up in honour of Baroness McDonagh, the former Labour Party general secretary who died of the disease.
The trial, conducted by University College London Hospital (UCLH), follows a previous one on the same drug, which stopped because of a lack of recruitment.
Dr Paul Mulholland and Dame Siobhain McDonagh have set up the new study in memory of Baroness Margaret McDonagh - Marie Mangan/UCLH
Dr Paul Mulholland, the consultant medical oncologist who treated Mr Trotman, said: "It is very unusual to have a clear scan with glioblastoma, especially when he didn't have the follow-up surgery that had been planned to remove all of the tumour that was initially visible on scans.
"We hope that the immunotherapy and follow-up treatment Ben has had will hold his tumour at bay – and it has so far, which we are delighted to see."
Mr Trotman married his wife Emily two months after receiving the treatment, and in April, the couple had a daughter, Mabel.
Mrs Trotman said: "Getting this diagnosis was the most traumatic experience. We were grappling with the fact that Ben had gone from being apparently perfectly healthy to having months to live.
"Had we not met Dr Mulholland, that would have been it for us. We felt we had a lucky break in an otherwise devastating situation."
Dame Siobhain McDonagh, the MP for Mitcham and Morden, led a fundraising campaign to raise more than £1m to cover the costs of the new trial after the death of her sister in 2023.
Dame Siobhain said: "My beloved sister Margaret was appalled to discover that there had been no advances in brain cancer treatment for decades when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma.
"Changing this was Margaret's final campaign and one that I have continued in her memory."
Baroness McDonagh was a key figure in the Labour Party under Sir Tony Blair's leadership - PA
Dr Mulholland, who claimed he aims to "find a cure for glioblastoma", said he was "incredibly grateful" for the support of both Baroness McDonagh and Dame Siobhain.
He said: "We're taking everything we have learned from previous trials into this new study and we are already planning follow-up trials.
The National Brain Appeal is currently funding two posts in support of Dr Mulholland's research.
The fresh trial will see patients who are diagnosed with glioblastoma receive immunotherapy with ipilimumab, a drug which activates the immune system to fight cancer, before they undergo standard treatment.
Patients interested in the trial should discuss it with their doctor. Treatment will take place at the UCLH's clinical research facility and the national hospital for neurology and neurosurgery.
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Medical Victory: Man's Aggressive Brain Tumor Vanishes After Experimental Treatment
In a remarkable medical breakthrough that offers new hope to brain cancer patients worldwide, Ben Trotman, a 40-year-old man diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022, shows no signs of the deadliest form of brain cancer after participating in an experimental drug trial.
Glioblastoma, the most aggressive cancerous brain tumor, typically gives patients an average of 15 months to live after diagnosis, with a five-year survival rate of just 6.9%. For Trotman, however, an innovative immunotherapy approach has defied these grim statistics.
A Desperate Diagnosis Meets Cutting-Edge ScienceTrotman was referred to The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), where he was treated by consultant UCLH medical oncologist Dr. Paul Mulholland. What made his case unique was that he became the sole participant in a groundbreaking clinical trial that would ultimately close due to lack of enrollment.
The treatment involved ipilimumab, a targeted immunotherapy medication that works as an antibody binding to proteins on immune cells (T cells), preventing cancer cells from suppressing the immune system so it can attack and kill the cancer.
Understanding the Science Behind the SuccessImmunotherapy represents a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment, fundamentally different from traditional chemotherapy and radiation. Here's how this treatment works:
More than two years later, Trotman's quarterly scans show no signs of cancer. His oncologist, Dr. Mulholland, noted: "It is very unusual to have a clear scan with glioblastoma, especially when he didn't have the follow-up surgery that had been planned to remove all of the tumor that was initially visible on scans".
The success is particularly extraordinary given that glioblastoma has historically been resistant to immunotherapy treatments. Despite continued efforts over several decades to develop new therapies for glioblastoma, none has appreciably improved how long patients live.
Personal Triumph Amid Medical InnovationTwo months after receiving the ipilimumab treatment, Trotman married his wife, Emily. In April 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel.
Emily Trotman reflected on their journey: "Getting this diagnosis was the most traumatic experience — we were grappling with the fact that Ben had gone from being apparently perfectly healthy to having months to live".
She added, "Had we not met Dr. Mulholland, that would have been it for us. We felt we had a lucky break in an otherwise devastating situation".
The Broader Implications for Brain Cancer TreatmentWhile Trotman's case represents a single success story, it opens important doors for future research and treatment approaches:
Despite this breakthrough, significant challenges remain in treating glioblastoma:
Ben Trotman expressed cautious optimism: "We obviously don't know what the future holds, but having had the immunotherapy treatment and getting these encouraging scan results has given us a bit of hope".
This case, while exceptional, demonstrates that even the most aggressive brain cancers may not be invincible. As researchers continue to develop and refine immunotherapy approaches, more patients may benefit from these innovative treatments.
What This Means for Current PatientsFor those currently battling glioblastoma or supporting loved ones through this diagnosis, Trotman's story offers several key takeaways:
As medical science continues to advance, stories like Ben Trotman's remind us that perseverance, innovative research, and access to experimental treatments can sometimes achieve what once seemed impossible.
The Road AheadWhile one success story doesn't guarantee a cure for all glioblastoma patients, it illuminates a path forward. Researchers worldwide are now working to understand why some patients respond exceptionally well to immunotherapy while others don't.
The medical community continues to push boundaries, combining traditional treatments with innovative approaches, hoping to transform glioblastoma from a death sentence into a manageable condition.
For the Trotman family, each clear scan represents not just medical success, but the gift of time together—watching their daughter grow, celebrating milestones, and cherishing moments that once seemed impossible.
I'm A Neurologist — Don't Ignore These 10 Signs That May Mean Your Brain Is In Trouble
Wise up!
Dementia — which gradually erodes memory, concentration and judgment — affects over 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths annually.
Symptoms tend to be relatively mild at first and worsen over time. Though there's no cure for dementia, it's important to recognize the potential signs because early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.
Other life-threatening brain conditions, like stroke and a ruptured aneurysm, have symptoms that appear more abruptly.
Dr. Joshua Nass, a board-certified neurologist in Michigan, reveals 10 symptoms that shouldn't be shrugged off. Courtesy of the Michigan Institute for Neurological DisordersIt's important to pay attention to brain health because it significantly influences our ability to think, learn, communicate and make decisions.
"As a neurologist at MIND and the medical director of the stroke program at Henry Ford St. John Hospital, I see patients all the time who brush off symptoms," Dr. Joshua Nass, of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND), told The Post.
"Many times, it is the families who notice first," he added. "Unfortunately, sometimes it is too late."
Here are 10 neurological signs that Nass says shouldn't be dismissed.
Sudden, severe headache"If you are not a headache person and this is the worst headache of your life, this could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleed, and this should be assessed emergently at the ER," Nass said.
Some 6.7 million Americans — or 1 in 50 people — are believed to have an unruptured brain aneurysm.
An extremely intense headache could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleeding in the brain. Goodluz – stock.Adobe.ComHigh blood pressure can put stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to thin.
A bulge can develop in the weakened part of the wall. That's known as an aneurysm.
It can burst if the wall gets stretched too much.
Small, unruptured aneurysms typically don't cause noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can press on nerves or brain tissue, causing headaches, vision problems or other neurological issues.
Weakness or numbness on one side"Call 911," Nass said. "Even if it goes away in a few minutes, this may represent a warning sign for a stroke."
Strokes can lead to permanent brain damage, disability or even death. Utah51 – stock.Adobe.ComA stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or severely reduced. Brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, potentially causing damage or long-term disability.
Weakness or numbness can happen when blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for motor control is compromised.
Slurred speech or trouble speakingThis could also indicate a stroke that damaged areas controlling speech and language.
Abrupt vision changes"Loss of vision or double vision could range from optic neuritis, stroke or a retinal problem," Nass said.
Sudden vision changes may indicate a serious medical condition and require immediate attention. Crystal – stock.Adobe.ComOptic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eyes to the brain so you can see.
Memory changes or confusionMemory problems and confusion can stem from a range of issues, including metabolic imbalances, infections and dementia.
"With new technology, we can detect dementia earlier, and newer treatment options are available to help prevent or slow down decline," Nass said.
Persistent dizziness or an off-balance sensationTalk with a doctor if you experience relentless, room-spinning dizziness that leads to unsteadiness or falls.
Dizziness can come from issues in the inner ear or the brain. Prostock-studio – stock.Adobe.Com"If persistent, this may represent more than an inner ear problem, and brain imaging may be warranted," Nass advised.
Seizure-like activity"These are not always full-body convulsions but may be staring spells or muscle jerks," Nass shared.
"Especially if it's happening for the first time, a full workup to exclude a brain problem (including a tumor) should be completed."
Loss of consciousness, like by fainting"Although this typically may represent a cardiovascular issue, a brain etiology must be excluded," Nass said.
Fainting is caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain. Madrolly – stock.Adobe.ComSome neurological conditions — like a transient ischemic attack or "mini-stroke" — can cause fainting or fainting-like symptoms.
Numbness and tingling in hands or feet"More commonly, this may represent a neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or diabetes, although alternative causes such as multiple sclerosis or other spinal cord pathology should be excluded," Nass said.
Tremors/uncontrollable movements"Many times we see tremor in the office and it is a benign essential tremor, which can run in families," Nass said, "but Parkinson's should be excluded, including other movement disorders."
Parkinson's disease patients — there are about a million in the US — tend to experience slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking.
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