Philip’s second chance at life thanks to cancer trial

“Growing up in Australia, it’s what we did. We didn’t know the damage endless hours in the sun would do, and I never thought it would become an issue later on in life,” he said. After discovering a lump on his shoulder, Philip went to a dermatologist to have it removed. However, it quickly came back and was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma – a form of skin cancer. 

He was referred to The Alfred where he underwent surgery to have it removed, again, followed up with six weeks of radiotherapy. 

And just when he thought it was gone for good, it once again started to come back.

“The surgery and follow-up treatment were pretty brutal to be honest and clinical trials had been mentioned to me following the surgery, but I hadn’t really taken it on board,” he said. 

“I don’t think I even knew what a clinical trial was, I had good health all my life so it’s not something I’d ever given a single thought,” he said. 

Alfred Health’s Deputy Director of Medical Oncology, Dr Andrew Haydon recommended a clinical trial to Philip when the carcinoma was appearing again following treatment. 

“At that point, I had no other option, a clinical trial was my last option,” Philip said. 

Philip was put on the CERPASS Study by Dr Haydon, who is also the Principal Investigator, which is a randomised and controlled study where cemiplimab (type of cancer drug) is intravenously administered every three weeks along with biological therapy to slow the growth of the cancer. 

For 12 months, Philip came in to The Alfred every three weeks for treatment, scans, tests and monitoring. 

At 12 months, the cancer was gone. 

“I was down to my last chance. This has saved my life – simple – and I’m forever grateful.”