Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was renowned worldwide for his diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and commitment to peace. However, in the medical community, his legacy will also be defined by his extraordinary battle against cancer, particularly his pivotal role in raising awareness of cutting-edge treatments like immunotherapy.

In 2015, when Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma—a form of skin cancer that had spread to his liver and brain—the prognosis was bleak. At that time, melanoma was a notoriously difficult cancer to treat, with survival rates for advanced cases remaining alarmingly low. But Carter’s story would take an unexpected turn, thanks in part to the groundbreaking treatment that would come to be known as “the Jimmy Carter drug.”

A Game-Changing Treatment: Immunotherapy

By 2015, immunotherapy was still a relatively new field. Although there had been some progress, it was far from a widely recognized or understood approach to cancer treatment. Carter’s decision to publicly announce his treatment with pembrolizumab, known by its brand name Keytruda, changed that. Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy that works by activating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

At the time of Carter’s diagnosis, immunotherapy was still emerging as a powerful treatment, and Carter’s endorsement helped shine a national spotlight on the drug and its potential. Keytruda, which had been approved by the FDA in 2014, was a breakthrough for treating melanoma, offering hope where there was little. Before the advent of immunotherapy, treatment options for melanoma were limited and often ineffective.

A Miracle Treatment for Melanoma?

When Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, the survival rate was extremely low. For most patients, survival chances for advanced melanoma were measured in months, if not weeks. Despite this grim prognosis, Carter’s health improved dramatically after starting treatment with Keytruda. His survival, in part, was due to the effectiveness of immunotherapy, along with his strong support network of doctors, family, and his own resilience.

Keytruda was one of the first drugs in a new class of treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the signals that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. While it wasn’t a cure, for many patients, immunotherapy represented a new path forward where none had existed before.

Before immunotherapy, melanoma treatment had stagnated for decades, with few advancements. But Carter’s public announcement about his treatment helped bring widespread attention to the potential of immunotherapy. His openness sparked a national conversation, and in many ways, he became the face of a new era in cancer treatment.

The “Carter Effect” and Its Lasting Impact

Carter’s decision to openly discuss his diagnosis and treatment helped to catalyze interest in immunotherapy and the broader field of immuno-oncology. His story was a turning point, bringing attention to a therapy that was still relatively unknown outside the scientific and medical communities. Since then, immunotherapy has rapidly become one of the most important tools in cancer care.

In the years since Carter’s diagnosis, melanoma treatment has advanced dramatically. At least 15 new treatments for advanced melanoma have been approved, and the use of immunotherapy has expanded to treat a wide variety of cancers, including lung, breast, and colon cancer. Researchers are also exploring its potential in treating other cancers, such as pancreatic cancer.

One recent development, a study from NYU Langone Health, showed that combining Keytruda with an experimental mRNA vaccine significantly improved patient outcomes for those with metastatic melanoma. Patients receiving the combination treatment had higher survival rates and a lower chance of recurrence compared to those receiving Keytruda alone. This exciting research suggests that the future of cancer treatment could involve even more effective combinations of immunotherapy and other therapies.

A New Era of Cancer Care

While immunotherapy has brought remarkable advances, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The success rate varies depending on the cancer and the individual patient, with typical response rates ranging from 30% to 60%. But even with these numbers, immunotherapy is still a far more promising approach than many older treatments, including chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy’s side effects tend to be less severe than those of chemotherapy. While it can lead to inflammation in organs like the lungs or colon, it often doesn’t cause the extreme fatigue, hair loss, or nausea commonly associated with chemotherapy. Many patients undergoing immunotherapy are able to continue with their daily lives, working and maintaining regular routines during treatment.

However, challenges remain. Researchers and doctors continue to seek ways to increase the success rate of immunotherapy and reduce the risk of side effects. The goal is to reach a point where immunotherapy can offer long-term, durable remissions for a larger percentage of patients, potentially transforming cancer from a deadly disease into a manageable condition.

Carter’s Legacy: A Lasting Impact on Cancer Treatment

As President Carter passed away at the age of 100, his legacy in the world of medicine is undeniable. His battle with melanoma not only changed the course of cancer research but also highlighted the importance of patient advocacy. Carter’s willingness to speak publicly about his treatment helped to bring greater awareness to immunotherapy, a field that is continuing to evolve and transform cancer care.

Immunotherapy has already been a game changer for countless cancer patients, improving both survival and quality of life. The “Carter effect”—his role in raising awareness of this innovative treatment—has had a lasting impact on the way we think about cancer and its treatment. For all those affected by melanoma and other cancers, his legacy continues to inspire hope and progress, paving the way for new treatments and better outcomes for future generations.

President Jimmy Carter’s remarkable journey with cancer is a testament to the power of scientific innovation, patient advocacy, and the enduring spirit of hope. His life and his contributions to the field of cancer treatment will continue to shape the future of medicine for years to come.