Why a Couple Turned to Clinical Trials After a Brain Tumor Recurrence

On May 2, 2020, a quiet night at home turned into a life-altering moment when Anthony experienced a seizure that led to a brain tumor diagnosis during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anthony and his wife, Alexandra, share their journey through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, recurrence, and the decision to pursue clinical trials.

Their story highlights the realities of living with high-grade, IDH-mutant astrocytoma, the promise and uncertainty of experimental treatments, and the importance of research, biomarker testing, and clinical trials in advancing care for people living with brain tumors.

A common misconception is that brain tumor clinical trials are only an option after multiple recurrences or as a last resort. In reality, there are five critical time points of eligibility, or windows of opportunity, when patients can consider brain tumor clinical trials — sometimes even before surgery or starting treatment.

Because eligibility often depends on where a patient is in their treatment timeline, missing a window can prevent patients from enrolling in certain trials. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your care team about clinical trials as early as possible — ideally right at diagnosis.

TAGGED WITH: astrocytoma