US Navy veteran beats cancer with experimental immunotherapy

After facing the threat of active war, many veterans also wage battles with cancer. One such veteran is John Ryan of Aldie, Virginia – a U.S. Navy veteran who was diagnosed with lung cancer after serving in the military for 30 years. Ryan’s military service, which began in October 1962, was shrouded in secrecy, according to a November 2024 report from the Cancer Research Institute (CRI).

Ryan joined the nuclear power program during the Cuban Missile Crisis and embarked on about a dozen patrols on nuclear submarines. After retiring from active military service in 1992, he settled in Northern Virginia to spend time with his family. However, in 2013, Ryan’s life took a drastic turn when he began spitting up blood and was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma, also known as non-small cell lung cancer.

Despite undergoing four sessions of chemotherapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Ryan did not see improvement and suffered from residual side effects like fatigue, pain, weight loss, and pleural effusion. Seeking a second opinion, Ryan met with Dr. Julie Brahmer, MD, at John’s Hopkins in Maryland and was enrolled in a clinical trial for immunotherapy in October 2013.

Veterans face a 25% higher risk of developing lung cancer due to exposure to toxic substances during military service. Brahmer explained that lung cancer poses a significant threat to the veteran community. After receiving four infusions of nivolumab (Opdivo) over a nine-week period, Ryan’s CT scans revealed a 65% reduction in tumor size. He continued to see improvement and eventually became cancer-free.

However, in 2022, Ryan faced challenges with chronic pneumonitis, which can occur in patients who receive immunotherapy for extended periods. Despite the setbacks, Ryan remained positive and credited his faith for giving him the strength to overcome cancer. He also emphasized the importance of staying focused on the present and not getting wrapped up in worry or uncertainty.

Dr. Brahmer discussed the success of immunotherapy in treating lung cancer and other thoracic cancers like mesothelioma, labeling it as the new foundation for treatment. She expressed hope for long-term control of the disease and potentially even a cure, urging patients to consider immunotherapy regardless of their cancer stage or type.

Ryan’s story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and cutting-edge treatments in overcoming cancer. His journey highlights the importance of clinical trials, the role of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, and the need for continued research to improve therapy options for patients. By sharing his experience, Ryan hopes to inspire and encourage others facing similar battles with cancer to stay positive, have faith, and never lose hope.