The tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy uses a patient’s own cells to train their immune system to attack cancer.
By Megan Ogilvie, Health Reporter
Toronto Star
July 9, 2026
Alex Shved is running out of options — and out of time.
The metastatic melanoma invading his body has stopped responding to standard treatments and is spreading unchecked through his bones and lungs.
At 37, and still healthy enough to work and enjoy backyard barbecues with friends, Shved is desperate to try any new therapy that might help. With two young daughters at home — one a toddler, the other just three months — he said he’s not ready to give up.
Shved has his sights set on a personalized cell treatment produced by a U.S. company and approved by Health Canada last year. The tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, or TIL therapy, is marketed as lifileucel and uses a patient’s own cells to train their immune system to find and attack cancer.
Results for melanoma patients have been promising. But for Shved, getting access to the therapy may come too late.
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