“I was lucky to be diagnosed so quickly”
Marie-Ange Cioppa
Marie-Ange Cioppa, 50, has ALK+, a type of lung cancer caused by a non-hereditary genetic mutation that leads to uncontrolled cell division.
ALK+ patients often face delays in getting the right diagnosis? That wasn't the case for you, though?
In May 2023, I developed a persistent dry cough. I was out of breath and felt fatigued. My GP initially thought I had a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics. But the cough and shortness of breath continued. After two and a half months, I consulted a pulmonologist, who was able to see me within 15 days. By that point, my lung capacity was down to 75%. A CT scan was done four days later. From then on, everything moved very quickly: bronchoscopy, blood test, serological test, PET scan… Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. ALK+ wasn’t considered at first; that diagnosis came four days later when the results from a biopsy sent to a specialized lab confirmed the genetic mutation.
The cancer was already at stage 4 when diagnosed. Yet, you felt relieved?
Yes, I was somewhat relieved when the doctor explained the therapy. I didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation—just targeted medication. The first night I took it, I was no longer out of breath. It felt like a miracle. During quarterly check-ups, the tumor in my lung had shrunk by half, and the brain metastases were responding well. After a year, only scar tissue remained in my lungs. It wasn’t until August of this year that some brain metastases showed resistance, so I underwent three rounds of radiation. Now, we wait to see if that worked. Meanwhile, I continue my medication treatment.
Patients with ALK+ can't be cured, yet you remain positive?
There is no cure. The treatment stops the uncontrolled cell division—it’s like a chronic illness: you learn to live with it, but there’s no cure, my doctor says. I’ve adopted this attitude toward my illness. Though I admit that when a migraine attack (one of the side effects of my treatment) sidelines me, my positive outlook takes a hit. I may have three to five years left, and I want to make the most of it. I approach life very differently now.
"It's like a chronic illness: you learn to live with it but there’s no cure."
Do you feel that you received the right medical support?
Yes. My pulmonologist was a young, proactive doctor who took charge with determination. I have a multidisciplinary team I can rely on, and an oncology nurse I can call whenever side effects arise. I am very fortunate in this regard.
What message would you like to convey to other patients?
Listen to your body. If something feels off, don’t wait. See another doctor if needed, and ask for additional tests. You know your body best, especially with ALK+, where symptoms may not be severe. Keep pushing. If I hadn’t listened to my intuition, I wouldn’t have survived an extra year.