Help 23 year old Ollie fight kidney cancer

Hello, my name is Courtney and I am writing this with great difficulty for my younger brother Ollie.

Earlier this year Ollie was diagnosed with renal cell cancer with sarcomatoid features- one of the most aggressive forms of kidney cancer. Shattering news which changed our lives forever.

Ollie was previously fit and healthy, enjoying the gym and his football. He was in his final year at university, just 3 weeks away from completing his degree when this news devastated us.

Two days later he underwent major surgery to remove his right kidney, adrenal gland and as many lymph nodes as they could take.

The recovery of the surgery was tough alone but we then faced questions of the future. At this point Ollie had lost 15kg.

Despite the amazing surgeons at Addenbrookes performing emergency surgery, at this point we discovered Ollie’s cancer had spread to his lungs and spine.

Renal cell cancer is extremely rare in young adults. Highest rates being males in their 70s. Ollie is now obviously only 23, 22 at time we received the diagnosis and we are yet to speak with anyone his age with renal cell cancer.

Sarcomatoid RCC is not currently curable but we are hoping and praying to find treatments to keep the disease stable.

There are extremely limited treatment options in renal cell cancer. However, thankfully, there are now some options that could continue to work for years. But not all are covered by the NHS and many are still in the clinical trial phase.

It was initially decided that Ollie would start on immunotherapy as well as radiotherapy for the spine.

He then had a scan, which unfortunately was not what we hoped. The area around the kidney had regrown and there was also a lesion in the liver. Thankfully, the lung and bony areas were stable.

It was then we were told that the drug company would not fund ongoing immunotherapy treatment.

After lengthy discussions with Ollie’s amazing oncology team, it was decided the best way forward was to introduce chemotherapy and to also continue immunotherapy, in the hope that Ollie is a late responder. The plan is to trial a further 3 months of immunotherapy and rescan. We pray that Ollie’s cancer responds. If so, we can rediscuss with the drug company regarding ongoing funding.

Immunotherapy is not like other more well known cancer treatments. Simply put, it works by priming our own immune system to better recognise and fight the cancer, rather than acting directly on the cancer in the way chemotherapy works.

As a result, it does not always work straight away and can take time for the individual to respond.

Currently, Ollie is receiving immunotherapy and chemotherapy. And has completed a course of radiotherapy for his spine.

Unfortunately, the cost of his treatments are very expensive and as mentioned not all treatments are included on the NHS.

£7000 pays for only one month of immunotherapy.

My brother is an incredibly strong person, who continues to face the awful cards he has been dealt with such positivity and admirable humour.

We are reaching out to ask for support in any way possible. Donations big or small mean so much to us.

Money donated will be used to pay for immunotherapy as well as go towards clinical trials, if and when Ollie is eligible. This is why our target is so high, travelling abroad for treatment is not a small cost.

We thank you for taking the time to read,

Many thanks

The Masons

Special mention to his renal oncology team at Addenbrookes who continue to help us navigate this awful disease.