September 30, 2025

Cancer research gives hope to a teen with brain cancer

When Chloe Fender is diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumor, a cancer research study gives her access to an experimental immunotherapy.

When Chloe Fender was 13, she had a seizure at school. Her mother, Sabra Springer, took her to the hospital.

Testing showed that Fender had a fast-growing brain tumor called a glioblastoma.

Some brain tumors are benign, meaning they aren’t cancer.

Fender’s tumor was cancerous, however.

“Being told that you have cancer and you’re only given 3 years [to live] is really scary,” Fender said.

Symptoms of a glioblastoma

Glioblastomas occur in the brain and spinal cord. They grow very quickly and can be fatal if they aren’t diagnosed and treated rapidly.

When a tumor grows and presses on brain and spinal tissues, it often causes symptoms. These include:

  • • Seizures
  • • Vision problems
  • • Speech problems
  • • Confusion or memory loss
  • • Changes in mood or personality
  • • Nausea and vomiting

Innovative oncology research and treatment

Being told that you have cancer and you’re only given 3 years [to live] is really scary. Chloe Fender

Fender was relieved to learn that a treatment, which was experimental at the time, might help.

She had access to the treatment thanks to Kaiser Permanente’s robust cancer research program.

Our researchers conduct clinical trials in 67 research centers across the country. And we’re one of the largest enrolling sites for the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program.

These trials give patients with cancer access to new medications that can improve their survival rates and quality of life.

“Our cancer research program gives us the ability to guarantee state-of-the-art, nationally recognized treatment,” said Kent Jolly, MD, Fender’s pediatric cancer care specialist.

Fender received an immunotherapy our researchers were testing to treat her specific type of cancer. Immunotherapy stimulates a patient’s immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy treatment offers hope

The treatment worked well for Fender.

“Chloe received what was at the time an experimental immunotherapy combined with radiation,” Dr. Jolly said. “The usual prognosis for this tumor is only a couple of years, but she’s going strong with no signs of stopping.”

Fender and her mom felt fortunate she could be treated at a leading cancer research center like Kaiser Permanente.

“Having the chance to have a chance was amazing,” Springer said.

Learn more about cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.