In May 2025, David Fitting will mark 22 years since his diagnosis with glioblastoma an extraordinary milestone for someone first diagnosed with this aggressive brain tumor at just 10 years old. His journey began in May 2003, while living in South Florida. Despite undergoing surgery and standard of care (SOC) treatments, David’s tumor relapsed one year later.
Cancer ran in David’s family, prompting genetic testing after his diagnosis. The results revealed that David and his family carried the MLH1 mutation, associated with Lynch syndrome. This hereditary condition significantly increases the risk of developing various cancers, often referred to as a "Christmas tree" of cancers because it increases susceptibility to a wide variety of cancers, much like decorations spread across the branches of a tree. Paradoxically, Lynch syndrome also statistically improves the likelihood of responding to treatments, a reality David calls “a double-edged sword.” “It’s the reason I’ve gotten cancer,” he said, “but it’s also the reason I’ve survived.
After his second surgery in 2004, David’s surgeon advised his family to prepare for the worst, giving him only nine to 16 weeks to live. His neuro-oncologist, refusing to give up, secured a contact at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, renowned for its brain tumor expertise. David and his family consulted with Henry Friedman, MD, and Sridharan Gururangan, MD, then chief of pediatric neurosurgery.
David was admitted to a groundbreaking treatment protocol at Duke that included CPT-11 (irinotecan) combined with tamoxifen. He was also implanted with carmustine (chemotherapy) wafers during his second surgery. For 2.5 years, Duke oversaw David’s care while coordinating with his medical team in South Florida. “When nobody else would treat me, Duke is the one that gave me a chance and put me in that trial,” David reflected. “Duke was and still is at the forefront of glioblastoma research, and so because of that, almost 21 years ago, they were so far ahead of the curve. I was administered a successful protocol, and I credit that to why I am here today.”
David has fond memories of his time at Duke Children’s Hospital. which he described as incredibly kid-friendly. “They had a basketball court, and as I was waiting for my appointment, I was outside shooting basketballs instead of sitting in a sterile clinic,” he shared. He recalls how compassionate and gentle his doctors were, understanding the importance of making a child feel comfortable during such a challenging time.
Over the years, David has maintained a connection with Duke, reaching out to Dr. Gururangan for a college recommendation letter, rekindling their relationship in the process. While his mother handled much of the communication with Duke during his treatment, David now looks back on how integral the team at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center was in shaping his survival.
Today, David is proof of Duke’s life-saving research and commitment to patient care. He continues to inspire others with his resilience and optimism. “I’ve been so fortunate to have received care from Duke,” he said. “It’s not just about treating the disease—it’s about treating the person.”
David’s story is one of hope, defiance against the odds, and the transformative power of expert care. His journey stands as a testament to the strides in brain tumor research and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of daunting challenges.