More than a decade after I was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer, a phase I clinical trial at Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, investigating a dose of a novel follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT05316129), finally stopped progression of the disease.
In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an individual patient investigational new drug application submitted by Moffitt Cancer Center, allowing me to have a second dose of CAR T-cell therapy to eradicate one remaining tumor with necrosis and possibly more microscopic disease.1
“Even though the results from the CAR T-cell therapy didn’t provide the durable remission I was hoping for, the treatment has given me back several high-quality months and allowed me to once again enjoy my life.”— Marisol Gallagher, RN
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In October 2024, I received the second dose of FSHR-targeting CAR T-cell therapy, which was an easier experience than undergoing the first dose of the therapy. I didn’t encounter any significant treatment-related toxicity, including cytokine-release syndrome, which was a problem during my first infusion.
Although I had high hopes for a positive and prolonged response from the second dose of the CAR T-cell therapy, unfortunately, a recent computerized tomography scan found that the cancer has spread. I’m now awaiting additional test results, which will determine the next steps in my treatment plan. Despite this latest setback, I remain undaunted.
Putting My Affairs in Order
My cancer journey began just after my 50th birthday, in the summer of 2013, when I started having digestive issues. My primary care physician prescribed a course of antibiotics to treat what he had diagnosed as diverticulitis. But after the treatment failed to bring me relief, he suggested I have a sigmoid colectomy to permanently relieve my symptoms. During the surgery, a large cyst was found on my right ovary; after a series of conflicting diagnoses, it was finally determined that the tumor was malignant. By then, the cancer had spread to my left ovary.
At the time of the diagnosis, I had been a nurse for more than 40 years and suspected my symptoms might be caused by ovarian cancer. Still, getting confirmation that I had advanced cancer was terrifying.
I had surgery to remove my uterus and ovaries and received weekly infusions of paclitaxel and bevacizumab, but the disease kept progressing. I was told by my oncology team that my condition was terminal and that I should put my affairs in order. My husband and I decided to leave our home in New Jersey and move to Florida to enjoy the time I had left. That decision likely prolonged my life.
I made an appointment with Monica Avila, MD, MPH, FACOG, a gynecologic oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. For the first time in a decade, I had hope that I could survive this cancer. After looking over my file, Dr. Avila told me about the CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial. She said that despite the many chemotherapy treatments I had undergone, I was a good candidate for this study. I didn’t hesitate for a second to give my consent. If my participation in this study could help researchers gain knowledge about the potential for CAR T-cell therapy for ovarian cancer, and possibly help other patients with this cancer, who like me, had run out of options, I was happy to join this trial.
Bringing Hope to Other Survivors
Even though the results from the CAR T-cell therapy didn’t provide the durable remission I was hoping for, the treatment has given me back several high-quality months and allowed me to once again enjoy my life. I don’t know what the future holds, but I continue to live with greater appreciation and purpose, and, yes, hope. It is my greatest wish that my participation in this CAR T-cell therapy trial will do the same for other patients with metastatic ovarian cancer who are out of options and out of hope.
REFERENCE
1. Sava J: FDA approves second dose of CAR T-cell therapy in ovarian cancer trial. Targeted Oncology, July 23, 2024. Available at https://www.targetedonc.com/view/fda-approves-second-dose-of-car-t-cell-therapy-in-ovarian-cancer-trial. Accessed May 12, 2025.
Ms. Gallagher, 61, lives in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Editor’s Note: Columns in the Patient’s Corner are based solely on information The ASCO Post received from patients and should be considered anecdotal.
