Riding Through It: How Immunotherapy and His Bike Helped Tom Vibert Beat Stage 4 Colon Cancer 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight perseverance, advocacy, and groundbreaking treatments like immunotherapy. For Thomas Vibert, a fashion engineer and avid cyclist, the journey through cancer was a ride unlike any other—one fueled by resilience, determination, and a breakthrough clinical trial that changed his life. 

The Diagnosis No One Expects 

Thomas was always on the move, balancing a demanding career in fashion engineering with his passion for cycling. But in 2012, a routine physical changed everything. 

“My company had this program—get a physical, get a cheaper insurance rate. I went in, mentioned a small tender spot in my abdomen, and within days, I was standing in front of a surgeon who said, ‘That’s coming out, and it’s coming out now.’” 

The diagnosis: Stage 4 colon cancer. For someone who had always been active and healthy, it felt like a betrayal. “I was mad. It was intruding on my life. I was all in on getting rid of it,” he recalled. 

The Long Road: Surgery, Chemotherapy, and the Fight for Hope 

Thomas underwent immediate surgery, followed by two grueling years of chemotherapy. Throughout it all, his bike remained his measure of strength. 

“Cycling was how I tracked how I was doing. If I could still ride, I knew I was fighting back. There were times I’d push through 40, 50, 60 miles—until my doctor would joke, ‘Why not 80? Why not 100?’ So, I did a century ride.” 

But chemo was taking its toll. “It wasn’t working. My tumor was in a spot they couldn’t remove or radiate. It was growing into my celiac nerve. I was on heavy narcotics. I was running out of options.” 

A Turning Point: Discovering Immunotherapy 

With standard treatments failing, Thomas sought second and third opinions. That’s when his oncologist mentioned a clinical trial at Duke University for an immunotherapy drug called Opdivo (nivolumab). 

At his lowest point—weak, just 128 pounds, barely able to walk—Thomas took a leap of faith and enrolled. 

“The nurses said, ‘You’ll be in the chair for about an hour, no big deal.’ But as soon as the infusion started, the pain escalated. They had to give me narcotics in the chair. Next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital bed.” 

The next morning, something incredible happened. “I had this huge breakfast—pancakes, eggs, everything. I hadn’t eaten in months. And then it hit me: I wasn’t in pain.” 

A week later, scans showed his tumor had shrunk more from one dose of immunotherapy than from two years of chemotherapy. 

“It was unbelievable. One of the nurses said, ‘We need more people like you.’ That’s when I realized—my genetic testing had gotten me here. Being MSI-high and having Lynch syndrome made me a candidate for this treatment.” 

Advocacy on Two Wheels 

With his health improving, Thomas felt a responsibility to give back. That’s when he discovered the V Foundation’s cancer rides. 

“Cycling had been part of my fight—it was how I measured my progress. Now, I use it to support cancer research.” 

Today, Thomas rides in events nationwide, raising awareness for immunotherapy and the importance of genetic testing. His message to fellow patients is to be your own advocate. 

“You don’t have to accept the first answer. Get second opinions. Ask about clinical trials. Know your biomarkers. That’s what saved me.” 

Looking Ahead: Living, Thriving, and Giving Back 

Now, seven years with no evidence of disease, Thomas is thriving. He continues working, cycling, and spreading awareness about the power of immunotherapy. 

“It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come. Immunotherapy wakes up your immune system to fight cancer itself. That’s the future. Less shotgun blasts of chemo, more targeted treatments.” 

As he pedals forward, Thomas hopes his story will inspire others to take control of their cancer journey. 

“This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month let’s talk about gut health. Let’s get screened. Let’s advocate for research. No one should have to ride alone in this fight.” 

---

Inspired by Thomas’s journey? Learn more about ongoing research in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer and help us continue this groundbreaking science: 

• Explore our Colon Cancer Immunotherapy Resources 

• Use our Clinical Trial Finder to access cutting-edge cancer treatments 

• Donate now to support life-saving cancer research