Doug Olson
1996 diagnosed
2010 treated
University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
“They trained my immune system to attack the cancer – it wasn’t even a fair fight.”
Doug Olson, 67, a scientist for a medical device maker, shows no sign of cancer since gene therapy in September 2010 for CLL he had had since 1996.
When Doug was diagnosed with Lymphocytic Leukemia, Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center did what others said wasn’t possible. Three weeks after their incredible gene therapy they couldn’t find one leukemia cell. Not one!
“Within one month he was in complete remission. That was just completely unexpected,” said David Porter, his doctor at University of Pennsylvania. The team of scientists included Dr. Carl June, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine. The research was originally funded by an award from the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy to Dr. June, twice an ACGT Fellow.
Olson ran his first half-marathon in January and no longer worries about how long his remission will last. “I decided I’m cured. I’m not going to let that hang over my head anymore,” he said.
Read More…
Gene Therapy Scores Big Wins Against Blood Cancers, Associated Press