A breakthrough clinical trial has eliminated all traces of cancer in a Gold Coast grandfather-of-two.
Geoff Hall was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in the early 2000s, living with the slow-growing blood cancer for years under careful monitoring before requiring treatment. But by 2024, after multiple rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he had run out of options and was facing palliative care.
“The doctor told me we’re reaching the stage where there was nothing more they could do,” Mr Hall said.
“I was headed for palliative care … knowing you’re going to palliative care, that’s a downer. In the end, I said what will be will be, but then Dr Wooldridge told me I had been approved for a trial at the Mater in Brisbane."
Mr Hall’s haematologist, Dr Rachel Wooldridge, secured him a place on an innovative phase 1 clinical trial of a new cancer therapy at the Mater Cancer Care Centre in Brisbane where he began treatment under a shared-care model.
The RAAF veteran of 22 years travelled to Brisbane for specialised infusions of the trial therapy while receiving routine treatment and monitoring closer to home on the Gold Coast.
The proud grandfather began the trial therapy in July 2025, and his latest bone marrow biopsy and PET scans showed no evidence of cancer.
“I’m free of cancer,” he said.
“I’m not in remission – I’m free of cancer, there is a difference, and I like the difference.”
Following Mater’s acquisition of Gold Coast Private Hospital, now Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast, Mater Research is extending access to its clinical trials for Gold Coast patients. Eligible patients will be able to participate in trials currently delivered in Brisbane, while work is underway to establish local clinical trial capability on the Gold Coast and bring trial therapies closer to home.
Dr Wooldridge said that after Mr Hall relapsed after multiple lines of treatment prior to the clinical trial, options had become very limited.
"To see him achieve such a positive response is an extraordinary outcome,” Dr Wooldridge said.
“Early-phase trials provide access to promising new therapies and can offer hope to patients when conventional treatments have been exhausted.
"Geoff's experience also demonstrates the value of shared-care models, allowing patients to access cutting-edge clinical trials while remaining connected to their local care team and support networks closer to home."
Geoff is now building back his strength at home with his wife of 60 years, Ros, and their new cavoodle, looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren and booking their next adventure.
"The trial has given me a new lease on life," Mr Hall said.
