Pat Brogan, a 68-year-old from Cowdenbeath, Scotland, is one of the first patients to benefit from a pioneering smart drug that strips cancer cells of their 'invisibility cloak,' allowing the immune system to attack them. After joining a trial in 2025, his tumors have shrunk by almost a third, and he is now preparing to walk his daughter down the aisle and holiday in Spain with his wife, Linda—milestones he once feared he would never reach.
Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Brogan was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2021 after losing his voice. Hospital scans revealed tumors affecting his vocal chords. Despite initial chemotherapy and immunotherapy for about three years, his tumors began growing again. He was offered more intensive chemotherapy or the opportunity to join the trial for the smart drug GRWD5769.
How the Smart Drug Works
The treatment, developed by Greywolf Therapeutics, prevents cancer cells from hiding from the immune system, enabling immunotherapy to find and kill disease cells. Results presented at the world's largest oncology conference in Chicago showed that the drug can shrink tumors by 30%.
Patient's Perspective
Brogan expressed his gratitude: 'When I was first diagnosed nearly five years ago, I was getting ready to say my goodbyes. To be here, and to be living a relatively normal life, is a miracle.' He now enjoys daily walks with his dog, Seamus, and looks forward to extra time with his family, including his two grandchildren.
He added: 'I'm so grateful to Prof Stefan Symeonides and his team in Edinburgh, and to all the other patients who have taken part in cancer research before me. Hopefully, by taking part in research, I can also make things better for people like me in the future.'
