Cancer patient raises funds after finding hope in precision medicine

Dan Murphy, diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2023, received precision medicine after genetic testing and says it has improved his quality of life. His family has raised $1.2-million so far to support research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Dan Murphy was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2023 after the disease had spread to his liver. Genetic testing prompted by a family history of cancer identified treatments matched to his tumour's mutations. He received six months of chemotherapy and now takes a targeted oral drug as part of a precision medicine approach at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The Murphy family has been fundraising to support the research behind this care. Reported details: - Dan Murphy, 55, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2023 and had cancer that spread to his liver. - Genetic testing led clinicians to treat him with precision medicine tailored to his tumour's mutations under oncologist Dr. Erica Tsang. - He underwent six months of chemotherapy and now takes a targeted oral medication twice daily and reports that he is doing reasonably well. - The Murphy family has raised $1.2-million so far to fund Dr. Tsang's research and is working toward a $2-million goal. Summary: The use of genetic testing allowed clinicians to offer a treatment plan that targets cancer at the molecular level, and Mr. Murphy reports improved quality of life while on the regimen. Fundraising by his family has supported the research effort and continues toward a $2-million target, with further outcomes undetermined at this time.