Spencer Laird’s Cancer Journey

At 25, Spencer Laird first noticed blood in his stool. Initially, his doctor attributed it to hemorrhoids linked to his work as a mechanic. It wasn’t until a colonoscopy, 18 months later, that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which led to the removal of 16 inches of his colon.

After two years, Laird felt optimistic, believing he had overcome the worst. He resumed work and cherished moments with his young daughter. However, during a routine follow-up in December 2024, his wife CarleyAnn raised concerns about his fatigue. Despite feeling fine, a full-body scan revealed the return of his cancer — now with 13 tumors in his lungs, one the size of a golf ball. His doctor warned him he might have only two years left to live, even with treatment.

“I was overwhelmed,” Laird recalled. “I thought: I’m just 30, with a wife and a 5-year-old. It was shocking.”

Exploring Clinical Trials

Diagnosed with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer, a condition generally treated with chemotherapy and radiation, Laird was hesitant about chemotherapy. Dr. Michael James Overman, an oncologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, noted that chemo can effectively control the disease for about 80 to 90% of patients for at least six months.

Still, the recommendation weighed heavily on Laird. Concerned about side effects and the quality of his life, especially given the terminal nature of his illness, CarleyAnn began searching for alternatives.

“I spent countless nights just examining his scans,” she said, driven by the thought of losing her husband and having to explain it to their daughter.

She applied for several clinical trials on Laird’s behalf, including one at Duke University, where oncologist Dr. Nicholas DeVito was investigating the effects of immunotherapy on this specific cancer type, usually administered after multiple chemotherapy failures. A prior study indicated that it could control the disease in 70% of patients.

DeVito’s trial aimed to explore the impact of immunotherapy as a first-line treatment, although delaying chemotherapy involved certain risks. Laird felt the need to take a chance.

“I wouldn’t say you have nothing to lose, but that does capture the essence,” he explained. “With a diagnosis like this, why not try something new?”

A Remarkable Response

In February last year, Laird became one of 15 participants in the trial, receiving immunotherapy infusions every two weeks. Scans were conducted every six to eight weeks. If disease progression was detected, chemotherapy would kick in.

Remarkably, scans revealed Laird’s tumors “melting away,” going from 13 to just three, with the largest now merely 0.6 millimeters in size.

“It’s a miracle, honestly,” Laird said, amazed at the transformation. “Looking back at where we started, it’s just incredible.”

Although he experienced some initial side effects like rashes and headaches, these subsided after a few months. Overall, he reported smoother sailing afterward.

DeVito pointed out that Laird’s strong early response was promising, and the complete results of the trial will be published soon. “This was a diagnosis that would have likely limited his life to five years or less, and now we’re asking, ‘Is he cured? How long will this remission last?’ It’s uncharted territory,” he noted.

Hope for the Future

While Laird’s situation is unique, DeVito aspires to find more patients who might benefit similarly, potentially identifying the right candidates for immunotherapy as a first-line treatment. Further studies may examine how immunotherapy can be combined with other therapies.

Despite the trial being groundbreaking, Overman noted there’s a long way to go before early immunotherapy becomes standard care for this cancer type. Research might also focus on which patients might respond better to immunotherapy based on specific biomarkers.

Laird isn’t cancer-free, but he’s no longer facing a terminal diagnosis. He continues to get infusions at Duke every two weeks, supported by his family and church community. The experience has transformed how he values life.

“It taught me to really live,” Laird shared. “There’s no point in just sitting around. If every day is a gift, you should make the most of it.”