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Father diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer after unusual smell

Costa Fantis, 57, diagnosed with glioblastoma following a strange change in his sense of smell.

July 21, 2025 at 08:40 AM

'My dad started to smell caramel before worst diagnosis you can get'

Costa Fantis, a chip shop owner from Stoke-on-Trent, faces advanced brain cancer after a curious change in his sense of smell.

Father diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer after unusual smell

Costa Fantis, a 57-year-old chip shop owner from Stoke-on-Trent, was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 brain cancer following a strange change in his sense of smell. Initially noticing a sweet caramel scent, Costa underwent several tests that led to the devastating diagnosis of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. This form of cancer typically requires extensive treatment, and the family is now fundraising over £350,000 for alternative therapies in Germany, as their NHS options are limited. The profound impact of this diagnosis has left the family reeling, prompting them to explore a range of treatments beyond local offerings, including clinical trials and immunotherapy.

Key Takeaways

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Costa Fantis detected stage 4 brain cancer after smelling a sweet scent.

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Limited NHS treatment options left family seeking funding for alternative therapies.

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The family is raising over £350,000 for a potential life-saving procedure in Germany.

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Glioblastoma treatment alternatives include immunotherapy and DC vaccine therapy.

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The outpouring of community support highlights the impact of individual stories.

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Awareness of glioblastoma's symptoms can lead to earlier diagnoses with better outcomes.

"All of our lives have just been flipped upside down."

Costa's son reflects on the family's drastic change in circumstances following the diagnosis.

"It's almost like you get this and 'bye-bye'."

Antonio expresses frustration over the lack of viable treatment options for glioblastoma.

The case of Costa Fantis highlights a critical gap in the treatment landscape for glioblastoma in the UK. Despite advancements in medical science, options have stagnated over the past two decades, leaving families like Costa's to seek alternatives abroad. This situation raises questions about the efficacy of current treatment protocols, reflecting broader systemic issues within the healthcare system. As the Fantis family navigates this harrowing path, their story underscores the urgent need for innovation in cancer treatment and support for patients facing similar battles.