SINGAPORE: “I think I'm going to die soon.” These haunting words echoed in the mind of 10-year-old Viet Tai as he faced the grim reality of his cancer treatment. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare form of blood cancer, Viet Tai's journey took a turn for the worse when conventional chemotherapy in Vietnam failed to yield results.

Doctors in Hanoi had declared the situation hopeless; however, Viet Tai's parents were not ready to accept defeat. Hearing about a revolutionary treatment available in Singapore, they made the life-changing decision to sell their home and possessions, embarking on a journey filled with uncertainty, but with hope for their son's survival.

A Ray of Hope: Experimental Treatment

Arriving at the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore, Viet Tai emerged as a groundbreaking patient, being the first in the world to undergo an experimental T-cell therapy targeting CD7 on leukaemia cells, developed specifically for his rare form of the disease known as early T-cell precursor ALL.

The struggle was far from over. After starting intensive chemotherapy once again, Viet Tai developed multiple infections and blood clots that left him unable to walk, spiraling into a dark prognosis with barely a 10% chance of survival. Yet, doctors believed this new therapy, which uses a patient’s reprogrammed T-cells to battle cancer, could be the answer.

Isolation and Intense Care

Before the treatment commenced, Viet Tai endured a month of isolation in a sterile environment. The objective was to minimize exposure to infections that could wreak havoc on his compromised immune system. His mother, Madam Nguyen Thi Kieu Anh, experienced an emotional rollercoaster, feeling helpless while witnessing her son undergo painful treatments.

The public rallied around the family, and through a crowdfunding effort, they raised over S$115,000 to assist with mounting medical expenses. Such generosity provided a glimmer of hope amidst the heartbreak.

Against All Odds: A Remarkable Recovery

Remarkably, within a month of receiving the novel treatment, Viet Tai showed signs of recovery and went into remission for the first time in eight months. As weeks turned into months, the once-ailing boy not only regained his strength but also tackled new challenges, from walking to cycling again.

In another twist of fate, Viet Tai's recovery from cancer defied expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic. He remained healthy despite not receiving a bone marrow transplant and even responded well to the COVID-19 vaccine, developing antibodies that reinforced his immune system.

Inspiring Others: A Broader Impact

Viet Tai's case sparked hope beyond his personal victory, with more patients being considered for similar experimental treatments, including Oscar Saxelby-Lee, who was also treated successfully at NUH. Their stories illuminate the rapidly advancing field of immunotherapy, showcasing the potential of cutting-edge medical research to transform hopeless situations into stories of survival.

New Beginnings: Embracing Life Again

Unable to return to Vietnam due to COVID-19 restrictions, Viet Tai started attending school in Singapore, seizing the opportunity to rebuild his life. His resilience and determination serve as an inspiration, illustrating that even in the face of despair, hope can flourish, and dreams can be reignited.

From a brutal diagnosis to a new lease on life, Viet Tai's journey is not just one of survival but a reminder of the power of modern medicine and the unyielding spirit of hope.