In March 2022, 53-year-old grandmother Tina Willits received a daunting diagnosis: stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer that had metastasized to her lymph nodes, ribs, spine, sternum, and bones. Despite an initial prognosis suggesting she had approximately two years to live, Willits sought alternative treatments beyond traditional chemotherapy. Her research led her to Dr. Jason R. Williams at The Williams Cancer Institute in California, who offered a combination of immunotherapy and cryoablation—a procedure that freezes cancer cells. Remarkably, just six weeks after undergoing this treatment regimen, a PET scan revealed no detectable cancer in her body.
Willits’ experience underscores the potential of immunotherapy as a transformative approach in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy works by harnessing the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells, offering hope to patients with advanced or treatment-resistant cancers. While not universally effective for all cancer types, ongoing research and clinical trials continue to expand its applicability. Willits’ successful outcome highlights the importance of exploring all available treatment options and advocating for personalized care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
