Ben Trotman’s story is nothing short of remarkable. Diagnosed at 40 with glioblastoma—the deadliest form of brain cancer—in 2022, his prognosis wasn’t hopeful. Typically, patients with this aggressive cancerous brain tumor live about 15 months, with a mere 6.9% making it past five years. Yet, thanks to an experimental drug and the dedicated care of Dr. Paul Mulholland at University College London Hospitals, Ben is defying the odds.
Trotman found himself as the sole participant in a trial that ended up closing due to lack of enrollment. He received ipilimumab, a groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment. This drug works by binding to a protein on immune cells, preventing cancer from suppressing the immune system, allowing it to fight back effectively. Alongside this, Ben underwent radiation and chemotherapy, and now, over two years later, his scans show no trace of the cancer.
“It is very unusual to have a clear scan with glioblastoma, especially when he didn’t have the follow-up surgery that had been planned to remove all of the tumor that was initially visible on scans,” Dr. Mulholland explained. This unexpected turn of events was a much-needed glimmer of hope in what was otherwise a grim situation. The medical team is hopeful that the combination of immunotherapy and follow-up treatment will continue to keep the cancer at bay.
On a personal note, just two months after starting the treatment, Ben married his partner, Emily. By April 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel, into the world. Reflecting back, Emily shared, “Getting this diagnosis was the most traumatic experience—we were grappling with the fact that Ben had gone from being apparently perfectly healthy to having months to live.” Meeting Dr. Mulholland turned out to be a pivotal moment for them, offering a sliver of hope in their darkest hours.
Ben himself feels cautiously optimistic. “We obviously don’t know what the future holds, but having had the immunotherapy treatment and getting these encouraging scan results has given [us] a bit of hope.” He emphasizes the importance of focusing on rebuilding their lives and cherishing their time as a family.
Dr. Mulholland has since launched another trial for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients, sponsored by UCL. Sixteen patients will be recruited to receive ipilimumab before undergoing standard treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy. The aim is to boost their immune systems while they are still healthy enough to handle the treatment.
Dubbed “Margaret’s Trial” after Dame Siobhain McDonagh’s sister, who succumbed to glioblastoma in 2023, this new effort is a beacon of hope for those facing the same battle. Ben is thrilled that others will have access to the same treatment he received, stating, “It will give people newly diagnosed with glioblastoma some hope.”
The focus remains on advancing the treatment options available for glioblastoma patients, with the goal of improving survival rates and providing a better quality of life for those diagnosed. The trial is a step in the right direction, showing that with innovation and perseverance, there is hope on the horizon for those affected by this formidable disease.
