SALT LAKE CITY — The passing of former U.S. Rep. Mia Love on Sunday has shone a spotlight on glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer, which claimed the life of the trailblazing politician at the age of 49. Love, who achieved the groundbreaking distinction of being the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. House, had been undergoing an experimental immunotherapy treatment in a clinical trial, but unfortunately ceased responding to the therapies recently.
Her family confirmed that she passed away at her residence in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
Mia Love, originally named Ludmya Bourdeau, was the daughter of Haitian immigrants and marked a historic achievement in Congress representing Utah from 2015 to 2019. Her political journey began in 2003 as a member of the Saratoga Springs City Council, eventually becoming the city’s mayor. Gaining national attention, Love delivered a notable speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention where she criticized then-President Barack Obama, earning significant applause.
Despite a narrow defeat in her initial 2012 House bid, she secured a victory two years later against a first-time Democratic candidate by a margin of approximately 7,500 votes, making history with her congressional entry. During her tenure, Love was seen as an emerging leader within the GOP, yet her influence waned amidst the rise of President Donald Trump. She notably distanced herself from Trump, expressing dissent over his derogatory comments about immigrants from nations like Haiti, resulting in her loss in the subsequent midterm elections during a Democratic surge in 2018.
In 2022, Mia Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, with medical professionals giving her an estimated 10-15 months to live, a prognosis she notably outlived. She recounted her diagnosis experience during a talk in Salt Lake City, explaining how severe headaches during a family vacation led to the discovery of her tumor. Following an initial surgical intervention to remove the majority of the tumor, a biopsy revealed the malignant nature of her condition.
Love enrolled in a clinical trial at Duke University’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, which involved utilizing her immune system to combat the cancer. Although she initially showed positive responses, the tumor eventually resisted further treatment.
Dr. Yasmeen Rauf, a neuro-oncologist at the University of North Carolina, has stated that glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive type of primary brain tumor with no existing cure, characterized by continuous mutations that lead to its persistence despite treatment efforts. Glioblastomas evolve from glial cells, which support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Although aggressive treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can be applied, they often fail to eradicate all cancerous cells, leading to recurrence.
Annually, about 13,000 individuals in the United States receive a glioblastoma diagnosis, representing nearly 50% of all malignant brain tumors, according to statistics from the Cleveland Clinic. The National Brain Tumor Society notes that the disease claims over 10,000 lives nationwide each year. Glioblastomas can manifest at any age but are predominantly diagnosed in older adults; the average age of onset is 64. Notably, it is the same form of cancer that caused the deaths of Beau Biden, son of President Joe Biden, in 2015 and Senator John McCain in 2018.
Research has yet to uncover preventative measures for glioblastoma, with the precise causes of these tumors remaining largely unknown. Mutations in the glial cells of the brain or spinal cord, altering their genetic makeup, are responsible for the condition. Dr. Rauf reassures that glioblastoma is not inherited or transferable to offspring. Nonetheless, exposure to significant radiation levels does increase risk.
Life expectancy following a glioblastoma diagnosis generally spans 15-18 months, with a mere 10% of patients surviving beyond five years according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Mia Love’s life was notably extended to approximately three years post-diagnosis, a testament to the effectiveness of aggressive medical interventions.
Reflecting on her journey, Love attributed her prolonged life to the exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of professionals and friends. In a heartfelt op-ed in the Deseret News, she acknowledged, “My life has been extended by exceptional medical care, science and extraordinary professionals who have become dear friends. My extra season of life has also been the result of the faith and prayers of countless friends, known and unknown.”