Beating Cancer: Phoenix woman triumphs over Melanoma with first commercial use of TIL therapy in Arizona

Over the next three years, Tena underwent various treatments, but the cancer persisted.

PUBLISHED JUL 20, 2024

Tena’s case marks the first commercial use of TIL therapy in Arizona following its FDA approval in February.

Scottsdale, Arizona: For the first time in Arizona, a patient with extensive melanoma was successfully treated outside a clinical trial with a new type of immunotherapy known as TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) at HonorHealth Research Institute.

This groundbreaking treatment offers new hope for those suffering from melanoma, an aggressive form of cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells of the skin and can metastasize to other parts of the body.

This groundbreaking treatment offers new hope for those suffering from melanoma. (Photo: HonorHealth Research Institute, Scottsdale)

Three years ago, Phoenix resident Tena Hughes was preparing for a dream trip to see endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. A mandatory COVID test, which came back positive, unexpectedly delayed her trip but ultimately led to the discovery of her advanced melanoma. In February 2021, Tena was diagnosed with multiple late-stage melanoma tumors in her brain, spleen, and left lung, despite never having noticed any skin abnormalities.

Over the next three years, Tena underwent various treatments, including surgeries, radiation, and drug therapies, but the cancer persisted. During a lung surgery, her doctor suggested she consult Dr Justin Moser, a melanoma specialist at HonorHealth Research Institute. Dr Moser introduced her to TIL therapy, a promising treatment that uses the body's own immune cells to combat cancer.

Tena received her TIL treatment in June, and her tumors began shrinking almost immediately.

In TIL therapy, immune cells are extracted from a tumor, enhanced and multiplied in a lab, and then reintroduced into the patient to bolster their immune response against cancer. Tena received her TIL treatment in June, and her tumors began shrinking almost immediately. Dr. Moser confirmed that Tena tolerated the treatment well and experienced rapid tumor reduction, consistent with the quick and durable responses associated with TIL therapy.

Tena’s case marks the first commercial use of TIL therapy in Arizona following its FDA approval in February. Her journey towards this treatment began years earlier when she read about it in the book 'Life Force' and hoped it would become available in time to help her.

Now, Tena is focused on sharing her story and helping others. She is writing a book about her cancer journey and has been invited to speak at a medical conference in Boston. Although she still dreams of visiting Africa, her immediate plans include a trip to Paris. Tena’s experience underscores the potential of TIL therapy and her commitment to supporting others battling cancer through her insights on exercise, nutrition, and a positive mindset.