Arlie Daniel Jr., Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is committed to offering groundbreaking research to its patients. In this Research Spotlight, learn how Arlie’s cancer journey has laid the groundwork for future patients battling renal cell carcinoma.
Arlie’s Story
A mighty bout with cancer has caused 61-year-old Las Vegas resident Arlie Daniel Jr. to push the brakes more than usual. But, after bravely and successfully overcoming a stage IV renal cell carcinoma diagnosis, he’s set to take off again.
Daniel is an avid stock car driver. Between Pahrump and Lake Havasu, he’s spent hours upon hours of his life racing and doing what he loves. While cancer has kept him from getting behind the wheel of one his prized rides, he’s been given the green light to go for it this year.
It’s been quite a journey for Daniel. In 2012, he first noticed blood in his urine and ultimately discovered he had stage III renal cell carcinoma. He had surgery to remove a large cancerous mass, but this was not the end of his cancer journey.
In 2016, Daniel’s cancer had clearly returned in his left kidney, and that year was when he met Dr. Rupesh J. Parikh, practice president and medical oncologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
After a biopsy, Dr. Parikh determined that Daniel had stage IV cancer.
At that time, Parikh presented Daniel with a clinical trial option, which he graciously decided to pursue. Reflecting on that moment, he says, “I was asked about being a guinea pig of sorts. I just thought that if it helped me, then great. And, if it ultimately helps someone else, then even better.”
With that positive attitude, Daniel began an experimental regimen comprised of pembrolizumab – a form of immunotherapy used in treating melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, among others – in conjunction with the anti-cancer drug, lenvatinib.
From 2016 through 2018, Daniel took pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib and, for the last two years, he’s been taking solely lenvatinib orally. While the combination remains in the trial phase for renal cell carcinoma patients, it has worked miracles for Daniel.
“His cancer is gone,” Dr. Parikh said. “And not only has he benefitted his own health through this trial, but he has contributed to research and will be helping so many more patients out there, too.”
Outside of his plans to hit the racetrack, Daniel will continue his lenvatinib regimen. After all, it’s worked pretty well for him.
Amid his own cancer battle, Daniel’s son, Arlie Daniel III, was diagnosed with stage I renal cell carcinoma. Fortunately, his Comprehensive Cancer Centers physicians recommended surgery to remove it and no other treatment is necessary at this time.
If another occurrence were ever to arise for Daniel’s son, he has quite the inspiration and motivation in his father’s incredible story. His dad has already laid the groundwork by participating in clinical trials that have led to two FDA approvals for this cancer type.
For more information on the latest trials offered at Comprehensive, click here or call 702-952-3350.