JASON FOUND BREYANZI® AFTER HIS CANCER RETURNED YEARS LATER
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JASON NEVER LOST HOPE ON HIS JOURNEY TO BREYANZI
After a few tough rounds of chemotherapy, Jason was hopeful about CAR T-cell therapy.
“Tomorrow, I start building my life.”
—Jason, a real Breyanzi patient
It’s cancer . . . again
Jason was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2009 and was able to manage it for some time. But 5 years later, he suddenly contracted multiple infections. He was ultimately put on an oral chemotherapy, beginning what would turn into a long and arduous journey with the treatment.
The chemotherapy kept the cancer under control, allowing him to continue his work as an anthropology professor at a local college, but sadly, he never went into full remission. He started to think that there was no other treatment option for him until new symptoms emerged in 2020, causing him to completely rethink his trajectory.
A tough road ahead
Jason began to feel some pressure in his head. Tests showed that he had enlarged lymph nodes, which meant chemotherapy yet again. Only this time, Jason developed Richter's syndrome that was quickly evolving into an aggressive B-cell lymphoma. This called for an equally aggressive type of chemotherapy called R-CHOP.
This course of treatment was particularly tough on his body, and a PET scan confirmed that it didn’t work well enough to qualify him for a stem cell transplant. Feeling stuck, Jason sought a second opinion. He believed deep down that there had to be another treatment option for him.
Just the beginning
At his new doctor’s suggestion, Jason took part in an open clinical trial for CAR T-cell therapy, known today as Breyanzi. After his Breyanzi infusion, he spent 18 days in the hospital for side-effect monitoring, which he learned wasn’t uncommon. The potential side effects of Breyanzi that are life-threatening and can lead to death include cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity, while other common side effects include fever, low white or red blood cells, severe diarrhea, or severe nausea. He did experience neurotoxicity and had to be treated immediately with medications to manage his side effects. He also required 2 weeks of physical therapy to help him walk again.
Thankfully, a follow-up PET scan showed Jason’s cancer responded to treatment. He and his family were overjoyed with the news of his remission.
Paying it forward with a smile
Today, Jason continues to teach cultural and medical anthropology at Whitman College and stays active, enjoying yoga and outdoor activities such as hiking. He’s thankful that he’s been healthy enough to travel and has explored some exciting places around the world with his family.
In his own unique way, Jason enjoys giving back to the community by connecting with newly diagnosed patients to offer support and hope. He encourages them to stay positive and to advocate for themselves when it comes to treatment just as he did.
“I think it’s bigger than cancer for me in terms of just in the world we live in right now, which is, you know, kindness and generosity.”
—Jason, a real Breyanzi patient
