Skin Cancer Patient Achieves Remission for Over a Year with New Immune-Therapy Treatment
A groundbreaking clinical trial at HonorHealth Research Institute has successfully treated a patient with advanced skin cancer, achieving remission for over a year. Wayne Futch, a 73-year-old from Phoenix, developed cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma due to prolonged exposure to sunlight during his career in pool maintenance. Despite numerous radiation treatments, Mr. Futch’s cancer persisted and led to the loss of his right eye.
In September 2023, Mr. Futch enrolled in a clinical trial at HonorHealth Research Institute, where he was treated with a new targeted immune-therapy drug. Within just 8 weeks of treatment, the tumor on his face significantly shrank, and after 12 weeks, no detectable cancer remained. Mr. Futch expressed his gratitude for the trial, stating that he feels confident in the treatment’s ability to detect and eliminate any cancer recurrence in the future.
The investigational drug used in the trial is a modified version of the anti-cancer drug Interleukin-2 (IL-2), designed to activate within the tumor microenvironment to stimulate antitumor immunity with reduced toxicity. Dr. Justin Moser, an associate clinical investigator at HonorHealth Research Institute, highlighted the drug’s potential to provide the benefits of IL-2 while minimizing side effects.
The clinical trial (NCT05660384) is evaluating the drug as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors who have failed standard treatments. The success of the treatment in Mr. Futch’s case has brought hope to patients with immunotherapy refractory squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that affects over 1 million Americans annually.
Early detection and treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are crucial for effective management. While surgical, radiation, and other therapies are available for early-stage cases, advanced disease requires systemic therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors are commonly used, but for patients who do not respond to these treatments, options are limited. The new immune-therapy drug used in the clinical trial offers a promising alternative for patients facing advanced skin cancer.
The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has been on the rise in recent decades, emphasizing the need for innovative treatment approaches. With improved screening and detection methods, more cases are being diagnosed early, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and clinical trials in the fight against skin cancer.
In conclusion, the success story of Mr. Futch underscores the potential of targeted immune-therapy in treating advanced skin cancer. The collaboration between medical researchers and patients in clinical trials is paving the way for new treatment options and improved outcomes for individuals battling this challenging disease.
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Provided by: HonorHealth Research Institute
(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-patient-advanced-skin-cancer-remission.html)
