Jimmy Carter’s legacy: How he changed the face of cancer treatment with immunotherapy

Former President Jimmy Carter was known for his humanitarian efforts, but his influence extended into the medical field, particularly through his role in raising awareness about immunotherapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment. When Carter survived metastatic melanoma in 2015, he became a symbol of hope for cancer patients worldwide and catalyzed advancements in the field.

A new chapter in melanoma treatment

In 2015, metastatic melanoma—a form of skin cancer that had spread throughout the body—was almost always fatal. Patients often had only weeks or months to live. Carter’s own diagnosis revealed melanoma in his liver and brain, and he publicly accepted his prognosis with grace, stating, “I’ve had a wonderful life… I’ll be prepared for anything.”

However, his story took a turn when doctors treated him with Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a relatively new immunotherapy drug. Approved by the FDA in 2014, Keytruda harnesses the immune system to target cancer cells, marking a significant departure from traditional treatments like chemotherapy.

“This was a medicine that enhances the activity of the immune system,” Carter explained during his treatment. His openness about the process helped bring immunotherapy into the public spotlight.

The ‘Carter effect’

Carter’s survival sparked global interest in immunotherapy and significantly influenced investment and research in the field. “In the absence of this unfortunate thing happening to President Carter, I don’t think we would be talking about immunotherapy in the national domain,” said Dr. Amod Sarnaik, an oncology expert at Moffitt Cancer Center.

Since Carter’s treatment, at least 15 new therapies for stage 4 melanoma have been approved. Immunotherapy has also expanded to treat other cancers, including lung, breast, endometrial, and head and neck cancers.

A groundbreaking combination therapy

Research continues to refine immunotherapy's effectiveness. In 2023, NYU Langone Health reported that combining Keytruda with an experimental mRNA vaccine significantly improved outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients. Three years post-treatment, 75% of patients receiving both therapies remained recurrence-free, compared to 56% with Keytruda alone.

The promise and challenges of immunotherapy

While immunotherapy has been revolutionary, it isn’t a universal solution. Success rates vary between 30% and 60%, and researchers are striving for higher efficacy. Additionally, side effects—like lung inflammation and colitis—can occur when the immune system becomes overactive. Despite these challenges, immunotherapy generally avoids the debilitating side effects associated with chemotherapy, allowing many patients to maintain their daily routines.

A lasting impact

Jimmy Carter’s willingness to embrace and promote immunotherapy has left a lasting legacy in cancer treatment. “When we see patients like President Carter beat their cancer, it drives us to do even better,” said Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, executive director of the Winship Cancer Institute, where Carter received treatment.

As a pioneer of public awareness, Carter not only extended his own life but also inspired hope and progress in the fight against cancer—a testament to his enduring influence on the world.