Dave Nitsche survives seven years with stage 4 lung cancer
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 4
Dave Nitsche survives seven years with stage 4 lung cancer
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 4
The 57-year-old Canadian from Calgary was diagnosed in 2019 after vision loss in one eye revealed cancer, despite doctors initially giving him 12 to 24 months to live.
After afatinib and then osimertinib, he began IV Rybrevant a year ago when the disease spread to his brain and earlier drugs stopped working; he says scans now look very good.
Rybrevant is approved in the US and Canada for some non-small cell lung cancers, and Nitsche, now an advocate, plans a 600-mile June bike ride to raise awareness.
He has survived on sequential miracle drugs. What happens when his cancer outsmarts the latest experimental therapy?
How did an Ironman's vision problem uncover a 'death sentence' diagnosis he would survive for seven years?
His case proves non-smokers are at risk. What are the unrecognized symptoms of this new face of lung cancer?
From Diagnosis to 1,000 km: The Role of Rybrevant and Lazertinib in Extending Life and Hope for Advanced Lung Cancer
Overview
Dave Nitsche, diagnosed with stage 4 EGFR-mutated lung cancer in 2019, is preparing for a 1,000 km bike ride in 2026, enabled by his effective treatment with Rybrevant Faspro and lazertinib. This targeted therapy, especially its newer subcutaneous form approved after the PALOMA-2 trial, shrinks his tumors and reduces treatment burden, allowing him to maintain an active lifestyle. Dave’s commitment to cycling challenges lung cancer stereotypes and supports advocacy efforts to increase early screening, which remains low despite its potential to cure most patients if caught early. His journey highlights how advanced therapies and a positive mindset can transform lung cancer into a manageable condition.