Rare genetic mutation leads to remarkable recovery
A 67-year-old man, Paul Edmonds, was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. After living with the condition for 30 years, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2018, which later turned into acute myeloid leukaemia.
Groundbreaking treatment at City of Hope cancer center
Paul underwent a groundbreaking stem cell transplant at the City of Hope cancer treatment and research center in California in 2019. He has been in remission from both diseases ever since.
Donor with rare genetic mutation
Paul received stem cells from a donor with a rare HIV-resistant genetic mutation, making him the fifth person to be cured of HIV and the oldest to go into long-term remission.
Hope for people with HIV
Paul's story brings hope for individuals living with HIV. His treatment was detailed in a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Life-saving transplant
The stem cell transplant from a donor with the rare genetic mutation has been credited with saving Paul's life. The donor's unique mutation makes people resistant to most strains of HIV infection.
No trace of HIV
After the transplant, Paul's HIV levels were consistently undetectable. Doctors monitored his progress and found no signs of the virus, even after weaning him off antiretroviral therapy.
A step towards a cure
Paul's case shows that older patients with life-threatening blood cancers like him may be cured of HIV through reduced-intensity conditioning hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Long road to recovery
While stem cell transplants carry risks and are not suitable for all individuals living with HIV, Paul's case highlights the potential for groundbreaking treatments in the future.
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