Uruguayan Scientist Reaches Fundraising Goal for Experimental Cancer Treatment

Uruguayan scientist Gonzalo Moratorio announced Friday that he has successfully raised the $1 million needed for an experimental CAR-T cell therapy to combat his brain tumor. The announcement came via an Instagram video shared by Dr. Fernando Montero, who is accompanying Moratorio in his treatment journey.

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It is truly a dream and something that, in a way, fills us with hope.

Moratorio expressed his hope and gratitude, stating, "It is truly a dream and something that, in a way, fills us with hope." Dr. Montero highlighted that the fundraising goal was met partly due to the auction of a Pablo Atchugarry artwork. Moratorio is scheduled to travel to the United States early Saturday to begin the process for his CAR-T therapy, acknowledging that there will be a waiting period for evaluation and preparation.

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That is what makes reaching the goal possible.

"We are in the arena now," Moratorio declared, signifying his readiness to proceed with the treatment. He also committed that any surplus funds from the campaign will be donated to causes focused on brain cancer, particularly addressing specific aspects of the disease.

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We are in the arena now.

Dr. Montero previously explained that Moratorio suffers from glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. After undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, he is currently receiving immunotherapy. The experimental CAR-T therapy, which involves genetically modifying the patient's T-cells to target and destroy the tumor, has shown promising results in Phase 1 trials with a 60% tumor reduction rate. While current immunotherapy is effective, CAR-T offers a potential curative option if the tumor spreads.

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The idea is that if a dollar is left over from all this, it can be reused for causes that specifically attack certain issues, like brain cancer.