Poison Drummer's Tongue Saved by Trial

Poison drummer Rikki Rockett recently shared his harrowing battle with HPV-related throat cancer, diagnosed in 2015. Initially, standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation proved ineffective, pushing doctors to consider a drastic measure: removing his tongue. This led Rockett to record messages for his children, fearing he might not survive.

Facing stage 4 cancer, Rockett then enrolled in an experimental drug combination trial at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. This treatment, involving pembrolizumab and epacadostat, yielded remarkable results, with 90 percent of the cancer gone after the first PET scan and completely eradicated by the second.

Remarkably, Rockett was declared cancer-free in July 2016. However, his health challenges continued as he was later diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a blood cancer. Fortunately, this condition is highly treatable, and Rikki has been in remission for several years thanks to medication.

Ten years after his throat cancer battle began, Rockett is cancer-free and cherishes the time with his children. While he experiences lasting effects like dry mouth due to radiation, he continues to perform with his band, Rockett Mafia, grateful for the life-saving treatments he received.