Compassion and innovation combine in cancer trial at FSH

When 41-year-old Matthew Furlong was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023, life changed overnight. A husband and father of three, Matthew began treatment with determination, undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in May 2024. But when that transplant produced only a partial response, the outlook was uncertain - until a new opportunity emerged.

That opportunity came in the form of the KarMMa-9 clinical trial at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH). The trial investigated a new treatment approach for patients like Matthew, who have a suboptimal response to initial therapy. Matthew was the only patient at FSH to be assigned to the experimental treatment arm of the trial, receiving a promising CAR T-cell therapy called Idecabtagene Vicleucel (Ide-cel) combined with lenalidomide.

 “Knowing that Matt was really hoping to get the opportunity to try CAR-T cell therapy, we were all super happy for him when he was allocated to the experimental arm,” said Eveline Seeney, Haematology Clinical Trial Coordinator at FSH.

 “That is always really exciting as it gives us the chance to see new treatments in action, and potentially make a real difference.”

For Matthew, it meant hope.

“From the moment I heard about the trial from Dr Calogero, I was filled with positivity,” he said.

 “I researched CAR T-cell therapy and realised this could be my best chance to keep fighting, for myself and for my family.”

CAR T-cell therapy is a complex process, requiring the collection of a patient’s own T-cells, a type of white blood cell. The T-cells are then genetically modified to target and destroy cancer cells. After a seven-week manufacturing process overseas, the engineered cells were returned to FSH and administered to Matthew in the Day Therapy Unit, followed by a 10-day hospital stay for observation.

Behind the scenes, the coordination required to deliver such treatment is extensive.

“It takes a lot of planning, multiple departments, appointments, tests and checks to get a patient ready to receive CAR T-cells,” Eveline said.

“Our CAR T-Cell Therapy Coordinator Clair Scott plays a key role, alongside the haematology consultant and Principal Investigator, the haematology clinical trials team, the bone marrow transplant lab team, the clinical trial and clinical pharmacists, nurse educators, and the dedicated staff in the Cancer Centre and Ambulatory Cancer Care Services. It’s a true team effort.”

 Matthew credits the FSH team for guiding him through the experience with both professionalism and kindness.

“My experience has been extraordinary in every aspect - from check-ups and treatments to having someone to talk to during my low moments,” he said.

“I felt reassured at every step that I was in capable hands.”

While CAR T-cell therapy is approved in Australia for some diseases, in Matthew’s case it is not available in Australia outside of clinical trials.

“Clinical trials provide our patients with the opportunity to access novel therapies to treat their cancer, sometimes long before these treatments are commercially available,” FSH Haematology Consultant Dr Steph Lam said.

“For patients like Matthew, the treatment can be life-changing – we will continue to conduct high quality clinical trials and work towards equitable access to CAR T-cell therapy.”

“The KarMMa-9 trial showed that even when the initial treatment doesn’t have the desired outcome, there is always hope,” Eveline said.

“Seeing Matt do so well is a great example of that. I hope to see him less and less—which means he’s out there living life and spending time with his family.”

Matthew shares that same hope - for himself, and for others who may one day follow his path.

“My advice to anyone offered a trial like this is simple: embrace it,” he said.

“It can truly make a profound difference in your life. My family and I are forever grateful to the incredible team at Fiona Stanley, especially Dr Steph and Eveline, who I see the most. Thank you for your care and support. It means the world.”

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