A revolutionary immunotherapy treatment gives life-changing treatment to lung cancer patient.

When Ruth Arlene Costa, an 80-year-old Rhode Island native who has called South Florida home for the past five decades, received a stage-four lung cancer diagnosis, she remained undaunted. Having spent the majority of her 30-year career as the head registrar in a school department, Ruth’s cancer diagnosis did not deter her from continuing to live her life. Instead, she placed her trust Dr. Oleg Gligich, an oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and the results have been nothing short of astonishing.

Before her diagnosis, Ruth initially experienced leg pain, which her doctors attributed as a vascular issue, ultimately leading to the placement of five stents to open blocked passages in her body. However, a chest X-ray conducted prior to her surgery revealed an anomaly in her lungs. After a series of additional tests, it was confirmed that she had lung cancer.  

For Ruth, the most challenging aspect of her diagnosis was the uncertainty surrounding her treatment plan. However, Mount Sinai’s meticulous approach involved determining the most effective strategy to combat such an advanced stage of lung cancer. During Ruth’s testing phase, Dr. Gligich identified a high expression of PD-L1, a tumor marker used to assess a patient’s response to immunotherapy or PD-1 inhibitors. After two months of thorough evaluation, her care team determined that Ruth was an ideal candidate for a groundbreaking medication called Keytruda, a novel therapeutic that has revolutionized cancer treatment.

“[Keytruda] works by activating her own immune system and ‘un-blinding’ her white blood cells to the cancer cells; hence, allowing her body to be rejuvenated and fight the next battle in order to win the war against cancer,” Dr. Gligich explains. While some patients can have a smaller percentage of being an exact match with the new treatment, Ruth’s compatibility with this medication was exceptional, making it an effective treatment for her stage-four lung cancer.

Ruth’s daughter, Kimberly Costa, adds, “They only administer immunotherapy to individuals with a 50% or higher match, and she [Ruth] was a 100% match.”

Upon learning this news, Ruth embarked on her treatment journey immediately. Initially, she received treatment a Mount Sinai every three weeks, which eventually extended to six-week intervals, becoming her new normal. Today, five years later, Ruth continues to defy her cancer.  

Kimberly mentions that by the end of 2023, Dr. Gligich will assess whether they can transition to monitoring Ruth with a CAT scan every three months, potentially discontinuing treatment. Should the cancer show any signs of growth, however, he will promptly resume immunotherapy and monitor her progress.

“It hasn’t grown in years,” Ruth remarks. “There’s still a little speck, but the treatment keeps it at bay.”

Ruth’s fighting spirit serves as encouragement for others who may be embarking on a similar cancer journey. She attributes her own improved health to her determination.

“I’ve always been a fighter,” Ruth says. “It’s my personality in a way.” 

Kimberly recommends that anyone exploring alternative treatments inquire about immunotherapy.

“Anyone that is looking for an alternative should definitely go and get tested,” Kimberly emphasizes. “It’s a game changer and a completely different approach to treatment.”

Keytruda caused minimal side effects for Ruth, such as mild afternoon fatigue. She and Kimberly express deep gratitude for Mount Sinai’s thoroughness in the early stages of her cancer journey and throughout her treatment. This approach allowed her to avoid more intense therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, which would have presented a different set of challenges.

“We were lucky she never had to go where I know lots of other families have to go through with the whole chemo and radiation thing, which could have been a whole different outcome. We didn’t have to see her suffer,” Kimberly adds.

Both mother and daughter are thankful for the Mount Sinai team at the Comprehensive Cancer Center for their support, kindness, and diligence in addressing their needs. Ruth, in particular, feels at ease during her appointments, describing them as visiting her family.

“I felt like it was my second home,” Ruth adds. “That’s really how Mount Sinai is.”