Anjum’s Story

Clinical Trial is a Game Changer for Plymouth Lung Cancer Survivor

From starting his first night club, River Rock Café, in Detroit to owning several health care companies in medical equipment supplies, physical therapy, outpatient clinics and a home health care agency, Anjum Aslam has made a notable impact in the Metro Detroit community.

But in 2019, his professional world built on hard work and community came to a screeching halt when a chronic cough led to a doctor visit that would change life as he knew it.

A diagnosis that changed everything

After experiencing a cough that wouldn’t go away, Anjum’s doctor ordered a chest X-ray. “The doctor thought I had pneumonia even though I had received the pneumonia vaccine,” Anjum remembers. “When antibiotics didn’t work, further tests including a CT scan revealed spots on my lung. I was initially diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer, but an MRI showed lesions in my brain leading to a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis,” he says.

Shattered by the news, the husband, father and grandfather of 2, did everything he could to fight for his life and underwent chemotherapy at a local hospital along with radiation to treat 15 lesions in his brain.

“The treatment was tough, and my body could not tolerate the chemotherapy. I was lethargic and confused,” Anjum recalls.

Henry Ford lung cancer clinical trial provides hope he was looking for

Weak and not able to eat, Anjum’s oncologist recommended another option for treatment. He referred him to Shirish Gadgeel, M.D., associate chief for research, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer/Henry Ford Health and professor, Internal Medicine, Michigan State University to explore clinical lung cancer trial options.

Anjum remembers he did not hesitate in participating in a clinical trial.

“I felt I had no choice and at a minimum I would be helping others who might be going through a similar situation.”

A team that feels like family

His wife of 36 years, Humma, who Anjum describes as his biggest strength during his journey, remembers the moment they met with Dr. Gadgeel and the clinical trials team at Henry Ford, there was new energy and hope that wasn’t there before.

“Prior to seeking out the clinical trials, Anjum’s doctor said he should get his affairs in order including his will. The clinical trials team did everything in their power to work with our insurance company so that we could receive treatment at Henry Ford and we have been with Dr. Gadgeel and his team ever since,” she says.

Dr. Gadgeel explains that Anjum has participated in two Henry Ford Health clinical trials over the past six years and has been on his current trial for nearly four years. The treatment, which included radiation, has been effective—allowing Anjum to return to a more normal lifestyle while tolerating therapy well.

“Mr. Aslam’s cancer is well controlled, including in the brain, which is very impressive,” Dr. Gadgeel says. “The courage he has shown over the past five years has been remarkable. Within six months of his diagnosis, his cancer had progressed on standard therapy. At that point, he was referred to us by his primary oncologist. We discussed additional standard treatment options and clinical trials. Without hesitation, Mr. Aslam volunteered to join a clinical trial. He told me that even if he did not personally benefit, he hoped others might—and that alone was reason enough for him to participate.”

What the clinical trials treatment has meant for Anjum

Humma, a physical therapy assistant, emphasizes that words cannot describe what Dr. Gadgeel and the clinical trials team has meant for Anjum and her family. “Dr. Gadgeel truly treated us like family and I make it a point to recommend him and the team to my patients who need lung cancer treatment,” she says. Everyone from the nurse supervisor to the whole team has gone above and beyond to ensure we would have access to the clinical trials treatment option, which has been life changing. People see him in real life now and in photos and they can’t believe he has stage 4 lung cancer.”

For those hesitant to enroll in a clinical trial, Anjum offers this advice. “I am a living example of the difference clinical trials have made in my cancer journey. I wasn’t sure if I would see my grandchildren grow and I have,” Anjum states. He says he went from someone who was not able to function to enjoying travel and being part of his family’s life. “Dr. Gadgeel and Henry Ford are the best and we will be forever grateful for having access to treatment that has made such a positive impact in allowing me to live life to the fullest.”
To learn more about cancer research participation and eligibility visit Henry Ford Cancer Clinical Trials.