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Immunotherapy Saved My Life’: David Bateson’s Story – The Institute of Cancer Research

The Institute of Cancer Research/LinkedIn

Jul 26, 2025, 18:34

Immunotherapy Saved My Life’: David Bateson’s Story – The Institute of Cancer Research

The Institute of Cancer Research shared a post on LinkedIn:

” ‘There is no doubt that immunotherapy saved my life’

David Bateson, 49, was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in December 2019. By August 2021, it had spread to his liver, lungs and spine.

Thanks to immunotherapy treatment, David has gone from having aggressive cancer to having no evidence of disease in his body.

In 2019, David had surgery to remove a lesion on his head, followed by a major operation eight months later to remove numerous lymph nodes from his neck.

Then he had a gruelling course of radiotherapy. But less than a year later, a routine scan revealed his cancer was back and it had spread. It was classed as stage 4 and was inoperable.

David was aware that his chances of surviving were slim. He started planning his funeral, sorting out his life insurance, writing his will and making sure his family would be cared for. He was determined to enjoy himself as much as he could, spending lots of time with family, taking holidays and making memories.

Then, in September 2021, he was offered a new immunotherapy treatment. It was his last hope, and he pinned everything on it working.

In January 2024, a scan revealed no evidence of disease and David is now back to running, playing football and working. He has been in remission for over 18 months and feels well.

‘I have been to dark places, but I now feel positive and optimistic about the future. There is no doubt that immunotherapy saved my life. I feel so lucky.

The survival statistics for people with stage 4 melanoma were once shocking, but I am still here. Without research, new treatments and drug development, I know that this would not be the case.’

Our research is helping more people like David survive melanoma. A regular gift will support the vital work that our scientists are doing to discover new smarter, targeted treatments, so please donate today.

Read David’s full story here”

The Institute of Cancer Research