How Immunotherapy Helped One Man Beat Stage IV Colon Cancer
- Brittani Aiellieo
- May 4
- 2 min read
When Matthew Dons was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2016, he was told he might not live more than a year.
It’s now 2025 — and he’s still here.
In a powerful session with Cancer Patient Lab, Matthew shared how he’s outlived the odds using one key strategy: strengthening his immune system instead of suppressing it.
“Cancer suppresses your immune system. I believe I’m alive because I chose multiple treatments — especially ones that didn’t destroy my immune system.” — Matthew Dons, Director of Make Cancer History
The Role of Immunotherapy for Colon Cancer in Matthew’s Survival
Matthew traveled to Japan — where cancer care is often years ahead — and received a little-known immunotherapy called autologous adoptive cell transfer. It uses your own white blood cells, grown in a lab and reinfused into your body, to fight cancer.
Unlike many standard treatments, this doesn’t rely on a single drug or harsh chemotherapy. It’s a biological system fighting another system — your immune system vs. cancer.
This approach gave him a fighting chance, using T-cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells — a triple threat that helps spot and destroy even hard-to-detect cancer cells.
Why it’s not mainstream (yet):
It’s hard to access — often only available through international clinics.
There’s less clinical trial data (but growing interest).
It challenges the “one drug for one cancer” mindset.
Why Japan?
Higher standards of care and innovative treatments
Fewer medical errors compared to U.S. care
More affordable: Matthew’s intensive treatment cost ~$25,000
Takeaways for Patients:
Don’t wait. Access promising treatments early — even internationally.
Combine therapies (gentler ones!) for the best shot.
Protect your immune system at all costs.
Matthew isn’t a doctor — he’s what we call a “super patient”: someone who studies, strategizes, and refuses to settle for limited options.
He’s now working to make these kinds of treatments more accessible worldwide through his nonprofit working to improve access extending immunotherapy for colon cancer.
📌 Want to Join the conversation check out the Cancer Patient Lab Community.
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