Immunotherapy: Aleksey’s Complete Remission from Stage IV Cancer
When Aleksey first sought help for shoulder pain in July 2018, he assumed it was a sports injury from his parachute acrobatics. However, after taking the initiative to undergo an MRI, the true cause was revealed — multiple bone metastases stemming from advanced prostate cancer. By the time of his diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to his retroperitoneal lymph nodes, yet he experienced no other symptoms, making the life-threatening condition seem almost unreal.
In Ukraine, Aleksey was prescribed a standard protocol of hormonal and radionuclide therapy. Initially, this approach reduced his PSA level significantly to 0.07 ng/ml by December 2018, and symptoms appeared to subside. However, PET-CT scans still showed active lesions in the prostate, right rib, and numerous bones, including the spine, ribs, and pelvis.
Leading oncologists in Germany, Austria, and Israel all concluded that Aleksey’s condition was incurable and that treatment could only extend his life — not achieve recovery. However, Professor Shimon Slavin, a renowned cancer immunologist and pioneer in cell therapy, disagreed. With decades of experience developing innovative methods for treating even advanced cancers, he believed Aleksey’s case was not without hope.
In December 2018, Aleksey sought treatment at Biotherapy International in Tel Aviv under Professor Slavin. By January 2019, Aleksey began metronomic therapy to block regulatory T-cell activity and received anti-cancer immunotherapy using a combination of Yervoy and Opdivo checkpoint inhibitors — an approach demonstrated by Professor Slavin to be more effective than using the drugs individually. Alongside immunotherapy, he also underwent targeted therapy with bioagents.
By May 2019, Aleksey achieved complete remission. PET-CT scans showed no active tumor foci in the prostate or bones, and his PSA level dropped to an incredible 0.013 ng/ml. Despite this success, treatment continued to prevent recurrence. Professor Slavin prescribed a second course of radionuclide therapy, hormone therapy, and additional immunotherapy.
Later, to target residual cancer cells resistant to traditional treatments, Aleksey underwent adaptive cell therapy using allogeneic T-killer lymphocytes at a satellite clinic in Germany. This phase concluded in October 2019.
Today, Aleksey remains in complete, stable remission — a remarkable outcome for such an advanced stage of cancer. He feels great and continues to lead a fulfilling life. His story stands as a testament to the power of innovative immunotherapy and Professor Slavin’s groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment.
