In a groundbreaking medical milestone, a father diagnosed with one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer is now cancer-free after participating in a pioneering clinical trial. Ben Trotman, 43, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2022—a disease that typically leaves patients with a survival window of just 12 to 18 months.
Today, nearly three years later, Ben remains completely clear of the disease.
What Is Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. It is notoriously difficult to treat due to its rapid growth and ability to infiltrate healthy brain tissue. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is grim—making Ben’s case nothing short of extraordinary.
The New Drug That Changed Everything
Ben was one of the first patients to receive the immunotherapy drug ipilimumab as part of a world-first trial conducted by University College London Hospital (UCLH). Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks the cancer directly, immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
In this trial, patients received ipilimumab before beginning standard cancer treatments. This timing allowed the immune system to respond while it was still strong—before the taxing effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
The result? Ben’s tumor disappeared, and his scans have remained clear for over two years and eight months.
Ben Trotman’s Success Story: From Diagnosis to a Miracle Recovery
For Ben Trotman, life changed in an instant.
In October 2022, the then-43-year-old father from the UK was given a devastating diagnosis: glioblastoma, an aggressive and often terminal brain cancer. Doctors told him that most patients survive just over a year. With a young family and a life full of plans, Ben was suddenly staring down an uncertain future.
“It was the darkest time of my life,” Ben recalled. “You hear the word ‘glioblastoma’ and you immediately think there’s no way out.”
But Ben’s story would soon take an extraordinary turn.
Through University College London Hospital (UCLH), he was offered a place in a world-first clinical trial. The trial tested an immunotherapy drug called ipilimumab, used in other cancers but never before given to glioblastoma patients before standard treatment. The aim? To supercharge the immune system before it was weakened by surgery and chemo.
Ben received just one dose of ipilimumab. Then came surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
To the amazement of his doctors, Ben’s post-treatment scans showed something remarkable — the tumor was gone. More importantly, it stayed gone.
Now, more than two years and eight months after treatment, Ben is living proof of what science, innovation, and courage can achieve. His regular scans continue to show no evidence of disease.
“I feel incredibly lucky,” he said. “I know how rare this outcome is, and I just hope my story gives others a reason to hope. This trial didn’t just save my life — it gave me my life back.”
Ben is now focused on spending time with his family and raising awareness for brain cancer research. His success has directly inspired the NHS and UCLH to relaunch the trial and expand access to more patients in need.
A Tribute and a New Hope
The trial has been reignited in honor of Baroness Margaret McDonagh, the former Labour Party general secretary, who tragically passed away from glioblastoma. The NHS now plans to recruit 16 new patients over 18 months to undergo the same treatment approach.
This new trial could represent a massive breakthrough for glioblastoma patients, offering new hope where there was once little.
Why This Matters
- Survival rates for glioblastoma are extremely low, with few long-term success stories.
- Immunotherapy is emerging as a powerful tool in cancer treatment, offering alternatives to invasive and harsh traditional methods.
- Ben Trotman’s case proves it’s possible to beat this cancer with the right approach and early intervention.
What’s Next?
With renewed interest and NHS support, the new trial at UCLH could help pave the way for a reimagined glioblastoma treatment protocol. The success of ipilimumab could lead to broader access for patients worldwide and potentially improve survival rates dramatically.
Final Thoughts
Ben Trotman’s incredible recovery from glioblastoma isn’t just a medical anomaly—it’s a beacon of hope for patients and families facing the devastating diagnosis. Thanks to experimental immunotherapy and innovative clinical trials, the tide may finally be turning in the fight against brain cancer.
