Sydney father, Theo Theodosi, makes miracle recovery from advanced lung cancer

·

Sydney dad and physiotherapist, Theo Theodosi, was told to get his affairs in order when he was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in 2017.

“CT scans, MRIs, lung biopsies… I came out with stage three lung cancer. They couldn’t do surgery, they couldn’t do radiation, they couldn’t do chemo,” the 62-year-old told Nine News.

Then he met Dr Venessa Chin, who suggested a new immunotherapy drug called Keytruda, which helps the body’s own immune system target and kill cancer cells.

Mr Theodosi quickly began to see results in what he calls a “Benjamin Button” recovery from lung cancer.

Mr Theodosi was given a new drug treatment which is now on the PBS. Photo: 9News.

“I look younger and healthier, and my face looks totally different, so yes, Benjamin Button,” Mr Theodosi said — referencing the famed F. Scott Fitzgerald story (and later film adaptation) about a man who ages backwards.

Mr Theodosi said he paid close to $6,500 apiece for the first four rounds of new treatment. After two years of treatment and surgery to remove a lump, Mr Theodosi got the all-clear.

“The lymph nodes within the lungs, which had previously had cancer in them on the scans, looked like they’d been cleared of cancer,” Dr Chin said.

“Theo’s been able to continue to work during this time. He’s been relatively well, doing overseas trips and sort of getting on with his life.”

Mr Theodosi’s case has helped put the potentially life-saving drug on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Dr Chin is now conducting research to see if there is a way to predict which advanced lung cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy. Mr Theodosi has donated $10,000 to the study, in the hope it helps others achieve results like his.

“I hope it gets out there and really, really helps the masses,” he said.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Michael Valkanis appointed Assistant Manager of Dutch giants Ajax

Former Socceroo and previous manager of Melbourne City FC, Michael Valkanis, has been named Assistant Manager of Dutch football club, Ajax.

St. Albans Greek Orthodox Community demands accountability for Tempi disaster

The Greek Orthodox Community of St. Albans has issued a message of solidarity ahead of the anniversary of the Tempi train tragedy.

Drisbioti and Tsitsipas don’t progress at Paris Olympics

Antigoni Drisbioti and Stefanos Tsitsipas fought hard, but were unable to secure progression to the next stage in Paris.