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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Glioblastoma breakthrough: 40-year-old dad is brain cancer-free after groundbreaking immunotherapy trial
In a surprising and hopeful turn of events, a 40-year-old father is living his best life in his second innings, after he was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma in 2023. In fact, three years later, he is not only healthy and thriving, but his brain cancer has completely 'vanished'! How? Read on to know more. What happened? In October 2022, 40-year-old Ben Trotman was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer that typically carries a grim prognosis with a median survival of just 12–18 months. Yet, over two years after receiving a single dose of ipilimumab before standard care, Trotman reportedly remains cancer-free and healthy as ever. Under the care of consultant oncologist Dr. Paul Mulholland at UCLH (University College London Hospital), Trotman became part of an NHS-funded trial that administers ipilimumab, a checkpoint inhibitor designed to boost the immune system, before traditional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Two years later, his scans show no signs of recurrence, an unprecedented outcome in glioblastoma treatment. The medical marvel The new clinical trial for the most deadly type of brain cancer, glioblastoma, which helped Ben with another shot at life, is looking for patients to join after an incredible success story. Organized by the NHS, this study aims to enroll 16 people over 18 months and is dedicated to Baroness Margaret McDonagh, who lost her battle with the disease. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma will receive an immunotherapy drug called ipilimumab before starting standard treatments, making the most of their immune systems when they are at their strongest. The trial is being led by experts at University College London Hospital's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. It follows a previous study with the same drug, which had to close because not enough patients joined. The trial honors the late Baroness Margaret McDonagh's memory and, like Trotman, participants receive ipilimumab to prime their immune defenses, with hopes of replicating his reassuring response. Ipilimumab: The key behind the breakthrough Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks CTLA-4, an immune checkpoint. In cancers like melanoma, it enhances T-cell activity, enabling the body to attack tumors. When used before standard glioblastoma therapy, it primes the immune system to better target cancer cells. In Trotman's case, it appears to have either eradicated or dramatically controlled his tumor, an outcome never before reported in this context. This 'window-of-opportunity' pre-treatment approach is groundbreaking. By delivering immunotherapy before surgery, it maximizes immune activation and potentially aids post-operative cancer control, a novel strategy in glioblastoma care. What is glioblastoma? Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme or GBM, is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain cancer in adults. Glioblastoma originates from astrocytes, a type of glial cell that supports nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Glioblastoma is classified as a Grade IV tumor, meaning it's highly aggressive, grows rapidly, and infiltrates surrounding brain tissue. The exact cause of most glioblastomas is unknown. However, it is understood that the disease develops when brain cells undergo DNA mutations that cause them to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The prognosis for glioblastoma is generally poor, with a median survival of about 12-18 months after diagnosis. The five-year survival rate is around 5%, meaning about 5% of patients are still alive five years after their diagnosis. Glioblastoma almost always recurs despite maximal treatment. Hence, Trotman's cancer-free scans more than two years post-treatment represent a hopeful breakthrough. It suggests that bolstering immune readiness before conventional treatment might overcome glioblastoma's defenses. The success story The success story comes from Ben Trotman, who was diagnosed in October 2022 at the age of 40. Now, at 43, two years and eight months after his treatment, his scans are clear, and there are no traces of the tumor. Dr. Paul Mulholland, the consultant medical oncologist who is leading this new trial and treated Ben, as reported by The Independent, shared, '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. We hope that the immunotherapy and follow-up treatment Ben has had will hold his tumor at bay – and it has so far, which we are delighted to see. ' Ben's life has changed significantly since his diagnosis; he got married to Emily just two months after receiving the immunotherapy treatment, and in April, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel. Emily expressed the emotional toll of Ben's diagnosis, saying, '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.' After the immunotherapy, Ben went on to have the standard treatments of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He continues to have quarterly scans, which remain clear. Ben reflected on their journey, stating, 'We obviously don't know what the future holds, but having had the immunotherapy treatment and getting these encouraging scan results has given Emily and me a bit of hope. We are focused on rebuilding the life we thought we had lost and enjoying being parents. ' Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP led a successful fundraising campaign that gathered over £1 million to support this new trial. Her sister, Baroness McDonagh, sadly passed away from glioblastoma in 2023. Dame Siobhain shared, '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. I am so grateful to the many people who knew and respected Margaret, who have come together and helped to raise funds and campaign for this new trial that we are calling Margaret's Trial.' Dr. Mulholland is also thankful for Margaret and Siobhain's dedication, stating, 'When I met Margaret, she said to me, 'What can I do to support you to cure this disease?'. I am incredibly grateful to her and to Siobhain, whose campaigning and fundraising in her sister's memory have led to this new clinical trial opening for patients with this most aggressive form of brain cancer that has such a poor prognosis, with most patients surviving just nine months after diagnosis. The crucial element of this trial is that patients will have their immune system boosted by the drug before they have any other treatment, when they are fit and well enough to tolerate the immunotherapy. We're taking everything we have learned from previous trials into this new study, and we are already planning follow-on trials. My aim is to find a cure for glioblastoma.' What's ahead? Led by Dr. Mulholland, the trial is expanding enrollment, aiming to confirm both safety and effectiveness. Currently, the National Brain Appeal is funding two positions to support Dr. Mulholland's vital research. The treatment will take place at the NIHR UCLH's Clinical Research Facility and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Patients who are interested in participating in the new Win-Glio trial should discuss it with their consultant.
The National
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
How Reform UK's plans could dismantle the welfare state
According to a report by The Independent, recent YouGov polls suggest that 38% of working-class voters support Reform – despite evidence that the party's policies could actually stand to make them worse off. We looked at four key policy areas – the NHS, free school meals, benefits and employment – and found that, in spite of promoting themselves as the party of the people, Reform have consistently campaigned on policies or voted against legislation that would keep what's left of the welfare state intact. NHS Nigel Farage has hit back at claims from Labour that under a Reform government, the NHS would no longer be free of charge. An independent fact checker found that Labour had quoted Farage out of context. The right-wing leader has never outright said that his party would fully scrap or privatise the healthcare system and that their policy is 'to always keep the NHS free at the point of use'. However, Farage has been clear that he doesn't want the NHS to be publicly funded. The party has also proposed a range of measures including expanding private provision, bringing in tax relief on private healthcare, bringing in weekend operating hours, and fining patients for missed appointments. Their plan also leans heavily on expanding private provision – offering tax relief on private healthcare and introducing NHS-funded vouchers for private treatment when NHS wait times are too long. READ MORE: Labour partially U-turn on benefits cuts in bid to win over rebel MPs Free school meals Free school meals are a devolved issue, but let's take a look at what Reform are proposing for England. In 2020, Farage criticised the Conservative government for voting against providing free school meals for pupils from low income families during school holidays, branding the move 'mean' and 'wrong'. If the government can subsidise Eat Out to Help Out, not being seen to give poor kids lunch in the school holidays looks mean and is wrong. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) October 22, 2020 However, Reform's official policy documents contain zero proposals regarding the provision of free school meals. Farage also abstained from voting on the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill at its third reading. The bill proposes that primary schools in England must provide free breakfast for pupils and limit the number of branded items required for uniforms to support families and reduce inequality around hunger and clothing. Reform's four other MPs (excluding Rupert Lowe, who has been suspended by the party) voted on the bill as follows: Lee Anderson: No James McMurdock: No Richard Tice: No Sarah Pochin: No available information The provision of free school meals helps improve pupils' concentration in the classroom, as well as helping to tackle poverty, food insecurity and improving children's overall wellbeing. The Scottish Government, on the other hand, recently expanded eligibility for free school meals, as well as wiping millions of pounds worth of lunch debts for pupils across the country in a bid to tackle the cost of living crisis. (Image: Supplied)Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said: 'Children can't learn if they are hungry and we know that free meals can have a transformative impact on their success at school.' Benefits Reform UK wants to overhaul the 'bloated' benefits system to make work more attractive and stop more people falling into the 'benefits trap'. Their 2024 manifesto states the party would raise the income tax threshold to £20,000 and focus on getting up to 2 million people, especially 16–34-year-olds, back into work. Jobseekers would have to accept a job after two offers and find employment within four months or risk benefit sanctions. Disability benefit assessments would be face-to-face with medical proof required, though exemptions would apply for severe cases. They'd also push to end so-called 'health tourism' by restricting access to benefits for new arrivals until they've lived and worked in the UK for five years. READ MORE: No changes to council tax 'in this decade', says Scottish Government Reform's benefit proposals risk punishing the vulnerable rather than addressing the root causes of unemployment. Raising the income tax threshold may help some, but it doesn't address those whose wages are too low to meet the bar in the first place, and does little to improve job quality or security. Forcing people to accept jobs under threat of losing benefits – the 'two-strike' policy – risks pushing individuals into unsuitable, low-paid, or exploitative work. Disability campaigners have also long criticised the dehumanising benefits assessments, especially for those with hidden or fluctuating conditions. Increasing the number of assessments required to receive payments is likely to do nothing but cause distress and further alienate disabled people. As it stands, and unlike myths peddled by the far-right, asylum seekers in the UK are not actually entitled to any mainstream benefits such as Universal Credit. Instead, they are granted £49.18 per person, per week, to cover essentials like food and clothing. If an asylum seeker is placed in accommodation that provides food, the weekly payment is then slashed to £9.95 per person. However, Reform MPs were largely against Labour's welfare cuts. Farage, Tice, McMurdock and Pochin all voted no at the "chaotic" second reading of the bill, whilst Anderson did not vote at all. Employment Outside overhauls to the benefits system, Reform's proposed employment policies are mostly based on removing EU regulations. Their manifesto mentions '[slashing] red tape to boost industry', ie scrapping EU based-employment laws and making it easier for businesses to adopt fire and hire staff members. UK employment law still draws largely from key EU legislations, like the Working Time Regulations 1998 act, TUPE and the Equality Act 2010. Working Time Regulations maintains EU standards on maximum weekly hours (48 hours), rest breaks and annual leave, while TUPE protects employees during business transfers. The Equality Act enforces anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies in the workplace. READ MORE: 'Bizarre': Question Time called out as Reform councillor joins Scottish panel If Reform were to scrap these policies entirely, there is a risk of gutting workers' rights. Protections like paid leave, rest breaks and safeguards against unfair dismissal could be weakened. Making it 'easier to hire and fire' may sound pro-business, but in reality it could lead to job insecurity, longer hours, and reduced protections for vulnerable workers. Stripping back anti-discrimination laws rooted in EU rules, like the Equality Act 2010, could further erode workplace fairness. Additionally, for a party which claims to be for the people, their voting records on employment rights suggest otherwise. At the third reading for the Employment Rights Bill, Reform MPs voted as follows: Nigel Farage: No Lee Anderson: Didn't vote James McMurdock: Didn't vote Richard Tice: Didn't vote Sarah Pochin: No information available When asked by ITV about youth unemployment, Farage said: 'There's a lot of young people not working who could be. It's almost as if the culture's gone wrong.' The Reform leader attributed the number of youngsters out of work to 17-and-18-year-olds not being pushed to work, while failing to cite rising retirement ages, gaps between education and employment, a lack of local jobs and health, work experience and education inequalities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The party has provided no substantial pathways to decreasing the number of unemployed young people, other than vague promises to 'get more young people into farming', recruiting 30,000 for the armed forces and taxing foreign workers to pay for undefined apprenticeships.
Glasgow Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Hospital bus link 'saved' as MSP hails U-turn by NHS bosses
The 340 service, an NHS-funded service which has linked Helensburgh and the Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH) with the Royal Alexandra Hospital, ended on June 28, leaving visitors without a direct route between facilities. The service previously run by McColls ended on Saturday, and a new NHS-run bus, which has been running for two days, was to be made available for patients and staff only. However, at crunch talks today (Monday), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Chief Executive, Professor Jann Gardner, agreed that visitors would now be permitted to travel on the bus. The board had been citing costs and lack of passenger numbers as their reasons for axing the 340 service; however, their move to short-term contract extensions had pushed up costs. Baillie said: 'I am over the moon that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) have made changes to their plans. 'I am clear that it is essential that everyone in our community has easy access to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and this cannot be achieved by existing public transport links. 'Albeit an eleventh-hour decision, I am overjoyed that the health board has listened to reason.' (Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) We previously reported how members of the Vale of Leven Hospital Watch called the axing of the service a "betrayal of trust." A NHS GGC spokesperson said: "A new, free transport link between the Vale of Leven Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital has been expanded in response to feedback from the public. "The link, which replaces the underused service provided by a bus operator, will now be available to staff, patients and visitors. "It will be more frequent than the previous service, and will be significantly more cost-effective for NHSGGC. "While the bus runs directly between the two hospitals, if a patient requires transport from another location, such as Helensburgh, the Board's transport policy can provide financial support, if appropriate, to help them attend an appointment. "We would like to thank all those who have engaged with us about the launch of this new service."
Glasgow Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Dumbarton residents say axing of 340 bus is 'betrayal'
The Hospitalwatch group – made up of Dunbartonshire locals and led by chairman Jim Moohan – has long been campaigning against the axing of McColl's 340 bus, an NHS-funded service which has linked Helensburgh and the Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH) with the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley since 2009. However, it was announced back in May that the route would operate for the final time on June 28 after the Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) board pulled the contract. Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest (Image: Pictures by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) Jim said: 'We've had a good working relationship with the hospital board for the last 15 years, so this is a complete breach of trust, and it is very short notice to announce they're taking away this transport provision. 'There was no consultation or discussion about how we could go about keeping the service running. The community thinks this is disgraceful and they have been let down." The service was introduced after the A&E at the VoLH was cut in 2004 – which also led to Hospitalwatch's formation as they pushed to ensure that the services in Alexandria remained. Through the years, the group has managed to retrieve some services and recruit more staff into the VoLH through demonstrations, meetings with management, visiting parliament and holding 24-hour vigils. Jim said: 'When we lost the A&E in 2004, that really took away the main artery of the hospital. We then got this 340 bus provision to try and help the community and it's been there for nearly 20 years, and it's been a very good service throughout that time. 'For that to now be removed, it's just totally unacceptable. The community is not happy about it. They're angry and rightly so.' (Image: Pictures by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) (Image: Pictures by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) READ NEXT: Alexandria residents say re-routing of bus service is 'joke' As of June 29, the 340 will no longer be for public use and will only transport NHS staff and patients between the two hospitals. Patients will have to provide proof of an appointment to access the service. It means visitors to the hospital will no longer be able to use the service and will instead have to travel longer to visit their loved ones. The journey is now expected to require at least two changes and can exceed 90 minutes off-peak, making evening and weekend visiting impractical for many families. Jim said: 'This bus is important to people. We will be demanding it is returned for the community to use. When the bus is removed, people will have to get other buses and trains. This is just pure disruption. 'The bridge gets closed during the winter period and we've got road works all year round. How are people supposed to get to the hospital? They're cutting off people from their families who are in the hospital recovering. 'People feel enough stress when visiting unwell relatives, without this additional burden being placed on them. To take this away from the communities is so wrong." (Image: Pictures by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) Jim vowed that Hospitalwatch would put their heads together to try and get the bus route back into public use. Dumbarton MSP, Jackie Baillie, has previously spoken out about the "appalling" decision. Baillie said: 'The 340 service is of vital importance and simply must continue. 'It is unthinkable to leave these communities with only an infrequent link and leave visitors out in the cold and unable to see loved ones in the hospital. To axe the current standard of provision is a betrayal to our communities." (Image: Pictures by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) NHSGGC said the service was significantly underused, with passenger uptake ranging between 33% to 35% across most scheduled journeys. A spokesperson added: "It is a more cost-effective approach as the costs of the service provided by the bus company have increased markedly, rising to over £174,000 annually in 2025/26. Charitable funding that was previously available to NHSGGC to support this service has also ended. The new free service for staff and patients will use our own 18-seater minibus, which remains accessible for wheelchair users and will be suitable for prams and buggies. In making this decision, we sought the views of those using the service run by the bus company through a survey which was advertised on the bus itself, and at bus stops at both hospitals." (Image: Vale of Leven Hospital, pictured by Colin Mearns of Newsquest) A spokesperson for McColl's said: "McColl's was not consulted in advance of the decision and learned of it only when the Health Board issued its public announcement. "We understand the concerns expressed by Hospitalwatch and other community representatives. "The current timetable provides five return journeys Monday to Friday and two on both Saturday and Sunday, giving residents a single-bus option between Helensburgh, the Vale of Leven Hospital, Dumbarton and the Royal Alexandra Hospital. "Once the 340 is withdrawn, that journey is expected to require at least two changes and can exceed 90 minutes off-peak, making evening and weekend visiting impractical for many families."
STV News
26-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
One child in every school class born as a result of IVF
The equivalent of almost one child in every classroom in the UK is now born as a result IVF fertility treatment, new figures suggest. Almost 21,000 babies were born from IVF in 2023, compared to 8,700 in 2000, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said. The authors of the fertility regulator's latest report wrote: 'IVF births are making up a higher proportion of all UK births over time, increasing from 1.3% in 2000 to 3.1% in 2023. 'This means around one in 32 UK births in 2023 were via IVF – roughly one child in every classroom – compared to one in 43 in 2013.' The HFEA said that its latest figures show the 'changing landscape' of fertility care in the UK. Overall, 52,400 patients had ,ore than 77,500 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles at UK fertility clinics in 2023. Some 11% of births to women aged 40-44 were a result of IVF, increasing from 4% in 2000 and accounting for 0.5% of all births, HFEA said. The data also reveal a rise in the proportion of women freezing their eggs – a rise from 4,700 in 2022 to 6,900 in 2023 – but the HFEA said that the number of patients using their stored frozen eggs in treatment remains 'low'. Meanwhile the HFEA also said that in 2023, around 820 babies were born following donor insemination (DI) treatment. The figures also show a reduction in the number of IVF treatments funded by the NHS. The proportion of NHS-funded IVF cycles declined from 35% in 2019 to 27% in 2023 in the UK, decreasing most in England, the HFEA said. More than half (54%) of IVF cycles in Scotland were funded by the NHS in 2023, compared to 49% in Northern Ireland; 33% in Wales; and 24% in England. The HFEA also raised concerns about racial disparities in IVF. It said that in recent years, Asian and black patients have had lower birth rates compared to white patients and those from a mixed ethnic background. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: 'IVF is helping more people have babies including patients of different ages and family types. 'One in 32 of all UK births are from IVF and 11% of all UK births are to women aged 40-44 who had IVF. 'We are also seeing more single patients and female same-sex couples having IVF. 'These findings highlight the changing landscape of the UK fertility sector and how it could develop in the years to come. 'However, we are very concerned to see that black and Asian patients continue to have lower IVF birth rates compared to other patient groups, and our recent survey found that Asian and Black patients are less likely to report being satisfied with their fertility treatment.' Data from the Office for National Statistics show that the fertility rate in England and Wales in 2023 was 1.44 children per woman – the lowest level on record. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
