Due to lymphoma, Toni Bachofner (77) had to undergo all kinds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for years. Since the CAR-T cell therapy, he has completely recovered and the cancer is gone.
“It all started in 2004. During my vacation in Botswana, I constantly felt like I had to clear my throat. Back at home, I looked down my throat – and discovered a second, yellow “uvula” next to mine. I went to the GP and he prescribed me antibiotics. At the check-up six days later, it was unchanged. So he sent me to a specialist. He did a biopsy and told me during the discussion: “I have good news and bad news for you. You have lymphoma, but it can be cured.” I had a tonsil removed and then began my first course of chemotherapy with an oncologist in Schaffhausen. After that I had to go to the hospital in Winterthur 20 times for radiotherapy. This was very unpleasant because I could hardly eat anything during this time. After the treatment I was fine for 13 years, I had absolutely no complaints. In the summer of 2017 – again on vacation, this time in Ireland – I discovered a small lump on the outside of my jaw. It has grown quite quickly. At home I showed this to my GP, who referred me to hospital. The examinations showed that a small remnant of the lymphoma had probably survived, allowing a new tumor to grow. I received preparatory chemotherapy at the Kantonsspital Winterthur, and then high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at the USZ. It was quite unpleasant, I was weak, nauseous and had digestive problems. But shortly before Christmas I was able to go home and had peace of mind for two years.
Last option: CAR-T cell therapy
At the end of January 2020, I noticed a small nodule the size of a hazelnut on my thigh. It grew rapidly and was soon as big as a hen’s egg. At first I was told that I would have to undergo further radiotherapy.
undergo. The PET-CT revealed that there was also a tumor near the kidneys, so the cancer had probably spread. After preparatory chemotherapy, my treatment at the USZ began in April. This time I needed CAR-T cell therapy with my own cells. First I had to give myself injections to prepare the blood. Then my blood was taken, my blood cells were sent to America, processed there and sent back again. Then the therapy could begin. It went well at first, but then I had severe side effects and my general condition deteriorated so much that I had to be transferred to the intensive care unit. I was at the USZ for almost a month in total. However, the CAR-T cell therapy was less painful than the high-dose chemotherapy in terms of sensation and pain. My cancer has completely receded after this therapy – hopefully for good.
Full confidence in medicine
Once a month I have to go to the oncologist for a blood test, and every third month I have to have a large blood sample taken, which is examined very closely at the USZ. My values get a little better every time. I have never let myself go crazy and I don’t feel sorry for myself. But if something were to happen again, I would be worried. Because then there are no more options. CAR-T cell therapy was the last option. This is only done if you have already had two chemotherapies and the cancer comes back. I have full confidence in the medical treatment and the doctors. I was never afraid. You have to take things as they come. I have always focused on the positive. The treatments were unpleasant and each time I needed some time before I was fully recovered. Right now, I just want to stay healthy and enjoy everything I can still do. I live consciously. Fortunately, I have experienced and lived a lot in my life. Being out in nature means a lot to me: a few weeks ago, I was splitting wood in the forest with a colleague. I was really pleased that it went so well without any complaints.”
