Isabel Strahan Looks to the Future After Rare Brain Tumor Treatment
Isabella celebrates the end of her chemotherapy treatment with a confetti parade at Duke Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Isabella Strahan.
In October 2023, Isabella Strahan spent her 19th birthday in the hospital recovering from brain surgery to remove a rare cancerous tumor. Nearly 10 months later, the daughter of former New York Giants football star and Good Morning America host Michael Strahan celebrated the end of her treatment with a confetti parade and bellringing at Duke Children’s Hospital. Follow-up scans showed no identifiable cancer, and Isabella is now focused on regaining strength and getting her life back to normal. “My doctors are very positive about my future, and so am I,” she said. “I'm excited to see how much I've improved a year from now.”
Seeking the Best Treatment for A Troubling Diagnosis
Barely two months into her freshman year at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Isabella Strahan’s life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare, cancerous brain tumor. Isabella had emergency brain surgery in California to remove the fast-growing tumor. As Isabella recovered, the Strahan family consulted with national brain tumor experts to determine where she would undergo additional treatment.
Isabella moved home to New York City and completed six weeks of radiation therapy. For her final phase of treatment, Isabella traveled to Durham, NC once a month for chemotherapy at Duke Cancer Institute’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Duke neuro-oncologist David Ashley, MBBS, led Isabella’s care team.
“I don’t believe Isabella came to Duke because she needed innovative therapy, because her therapy was relatively standard. I think it was more about the experience and quality of care we could offer,” Dr. Ashley said. “We have 10 neuro-oncologists here, whereas other places might only have one. That gives us a combined 200 years of shared experience in caring for people with not just brain tumors, but extremely rare brain tumors like Isabella’s.”
Treatment Succeeds Despite Setbacks
Isabella developed a dangerous infection at her surgical site that required two additional surgeries. Despite the setback, in June 2024, Isabella finished chemotherapy in four sessions instead of the six that were planned. A month later, follow-up MRI scans showed no evidence of cancer in Isabella’s body.
“Great scans, everything was clear,” Isabella shared in episode 27 of her YouTube vlog, where she’s been chronicling her treatment journey. “I miss my doctors already and everyone who’s helped me because they’re all so nice…I love them so much.”
Dr. Ashley shares her sentiment. “I am honored to care for Isabella and her family. She is an inspiring young woman who has contributed to the well-being of others simply by uplifting people. I really appreciate that about her.” As for Isabella’s future, Dr. Ashley said the odds are in her favor. “Chances are good that this tumor will never come back. But because there is still a small chance it could, we will monitor her closely,” he said.
Moving Forward
Isabella is eager to return to college in the fall of 2024, where she’ll study communications. In the meantime, she plans to spend time with her family, friends, and adorable dogs. Her advice to others going through a difficult health journey is simple: “Whatever you do, don't give up.”
