A 65-year-old patient diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2018 credits MD Anderson Cancer Center for not only correcting his initial diagnosis but also for providing the treatment that led to his remission. Initially misdiagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, the accurate AML diagnosis allowed for more aggressive and appropriate treatment. This included participation in a clinical trial that proved pivotal in his recovery.
Clinical Trial Success
The patient's care team at MD Anderson recommended a clinical trial testing a new induction chemotherapy regimen. This combination of drugs aimed to prepare his body for a stem cell transplant, reducing the risk of relapse, graft-versus-host disease, and rejection, while increasing the chances of long-term remission. The patient acknowledged the treatment was challenging, but ultimately effective.
Stem Cell Transplant and Recovery
On February 6, 2019, the patient underwent a stem cell transplant using cells from an unrelated donor. He remained in isolation for 45 days to protect his immune system as the new cells engrafted. Regular checkups followed, eventually decreasing to annual visits.
Gratitude and Giving Back
Expressing immense gratitude for the care he received, the patient highlighted the personal and genuine support from the MD Anderson team. A particularly moving experience was a pre-transplant prayer led by a chaplain. Inspired by his experience, he and his family have actively participated in MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer, raising nearly $13,000 over five years to support the institution's mission.
