Cristina Matos was given a second chance at life

Cristina Matos was referred to the UF Health Cancer Center by a nurse friend. Together, they were searching for possible solutions to Cristina’s debilitating diagnoses, a glioblastoma and spine metastasis. Cristina was in horrible pain, bed-ridden. She was on multiple medications, and had been told by her local doctors she had only weeks to live.

“She is alive today because of what her DNA could tell us. This is truly personalized medicine at its best.” — David Tran, MD

When she arrived at the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy at UF, Cristina met David Tran, MD, a UF Health Cancer Center neuro-oncologist. He was able to use a genomic therapy to determine targeted chemotherapy for Cristina.

Dr. Tran reduced Cristina’s medications, and put her on chemo medication only. Within days, she began to feel positive effects, and within weeks she was able to walk.

“My pain is minimal at this point. It’s been about a year since I met Dr. Tran, and life is good. I’m happy,” she said. Cristina is traveling the world with her family, exercising at the gym almost daily, going out with friends, driving and enjoying being a mom to her young son.

Dr. Tran said her response to this medication is unprecedented. And she agrees. “I had a death sentence. I was lying in my bedroom waiting to die,” Cristina said. “I am so glad I listened to my heart, chose to fight and found this option.”