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Man declared free of glioblastoma after trial therapy

Ben Trotman, 43, shows no signs of brain cancer after receiving experimental immunotherapy.

July 21, 2025 at 12:17 AM

I was cured of one of the deadliest forms of cancer after trialling a new drug... my brain cancer is gone

Ben Trotman, cleared of glioblastoma, shows hope for cancer treatment advancements.

Man overcomes glioblastoma after groundbreaking immunotherapy

Ben Trotman, a 43-year-old father, has been declared free of glioblastoma after participating in a world-first immunotherapy trial. Diagnosed in October 2022, he was initially confronted with a grim prognosis, as most patients with this aggressive brain cancer do not live beyond 18 months. Dr. Paul Mulholland, who leads the trial, expressed surprise at Trotman's clear scans, especially since he did not undergo the planned surgery prior to treatment. Following his immunotherapy, Trotman also received standard care involving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and his quarterly scans have consistently shown no signs of the disease. His journey has been marked by significant life events, including his marriage and the birth of his daughter, Mabel, early this year. Fundraising efforts spearheaded by Dame Siobhain McDonagh have fueled research into new treatments for glioblastoma, following the loss of her sister to the disease.

Key Takeaways

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Ben Trotman is cancer-free after an innovative immunotherapy trial.

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Most glioblastoma patients face a survival rate of only 12-to-18 months.

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Dr. Paul Mulholland’s trial marks a serious advancement in treatment options.

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Dame Siobhain McDonagh’s fundraising efforts gathered over £1 million.

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Family support is critical in facing cancer diagnoses and treatment challenges.

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Immunotherapy could reshape future approaches to aggressive cancers.

"It is very unusual to have a clear scan with glioblastoma."

Dr. Paul Mulholland emphasizes the rarity of clear scans in glioblastoma cases, highlighting Trotman's unique recovery.

"We were grappling with the fact that Ben had gone from being apparently perfectly healthy to having months to live."

Ben Trotman's wife shares the emotional trauma faced after his diagnosis.

"My beloved sister Margaret was appalled to discover that there had been no advances in brain cancer treatment for decades."

Dame Siobhain McDonagh explains the motivation behind her campaign for glioblastoma research funding.

"I am incredibly grateful to her and to Siobhain whose campaigning has led to this new clinical trial opening."

Dr. Mulholland expresses gratitude for public support in advancing cancer treatment.

Trotman’s story offers a glimmer of hope amidst the daunting realities of glioblastoma, a cancer notorious for its poor survival rates. The ongoing trial demonstrates the potential for immunotherapy to change how this disease is treated, moving from traditional methods to exploring breakthroughs that could extend and improve patients' lives. With a supportive network rallying for funding and research, there is a possibility for more patients to access innovative treatments in the future. The emotional journey of Trotman and his family exemplifies a significant shift in patient narratives—from despair to hope—highlighting a need for continued investment in cancer research to combat diseases once deemed insurmountable.