Cambodian Child with Stage 4 Medulloblastoma Shows Rapid Improvement After NK Cell Immunotherapy at 23C; Tumor Marker Cell Falls from 3.6 to 2.1
Phnom Penh: Ponleu Virakboth (Charlie), a five-year-old Cambodian boy diagnosed with anaplastic medulloblastoma, stage 4, with a second relapse, has shown measurable clinical improvement after receiving natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy at 23C in Malaysia. Following the treatment, Charlie’s tumor marker decreased from 3.6 to 2.1, and his family reports clearer energy, reduced symptoms, and an improved quality of life after months of limited options and a recommendation for palliative care in Thailand.
Charlie was first diagnosed on February 10, 2024. He underwent surgery followed by 30 sessions of radiotherapy and 10 rounds of chemotherapy in Thailand, completing that course on February 24, 2025. However, within two months, a second relapse was detected, and Thai oncologists recommended palliative care due to the aggressive nature of his anaplastic medulloblastoma.
With new hope, Charlie’s family, supported by Cambodian representative Ms Thavary Bunna, sought cellular immunotherapy at 23C. The center administered NK cell infusions as part of an individualized, multidisciplinary supportive plan aimed at restoring immune function while minimizing additional toxicity.
Laboratory data collected before and after treatment shows Charlie’s tumor marker cell falling from 3.6 to 2.1. Clinicians at 23C report objective signs of clinical improvement, including increased activity, better appetite, and reduced pain episodes. The family has returned to Cambodia with renewed optimism and continues follow-up with 23C remotely. Physicians stress that while this early response is encouraging, continue monitoring, further assessments, and a coordinated care plan are essential to sustain progress and evaluate long-term benefits.
“Thank you, 23C, for taking such wonderful care of Charlie. As parents, we’ve never been more confident about where to turn for his treatment,” said Mr Punleu Prom, Charlie’s father. “On June 16, we felt hope slipping away, but thanks to the NK Cell Immunotherapy, our hope has been completely renewed. Today, Charlie’s condition has markedly improved. We believe Charlie now has a new lease on life.”
“I am proud to represent 23C in Cambodia,” said Ms Thavary Bunna, Cambodian Representative of 23C. “When Charlie’s family had lost hope in Thailand, we acted swiftly to bring him to 23C. His remarkable progress demonstrates that timely access to advanced immunotherapy can significantly alter outcomes. We remain dedicated to supporting Cambodian families seeking innovative treatments, not only for cancer but also for a wide range of serious conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes Types 1 and 2, Lupus Erythematosus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP Genetic Blindness), Stroke, Autoimmune Lung Fibrosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Acute Myocardial Infarction, Autism, and many others that patient loses hope in medical options.”
“Our overarching goal is to bring renewed hope and better health to children and patients with refractory or untreatable diseases. We are committed to expanding access to cutting-edge therapies and collaborating closely with regional partners to support families throughout every stage of their care journey,” Ms Thavary added.
For inquiries and messages of support regarding Charlie’s treatment experience, please feel free to contact his parents at (+855) 87 993 398 or through Charlie’s public platforms.
Photo by: Supplied
