Clinical Trial Helps Fredon, NJ Man Find Leukemia Remission
September 24, 2024
Sometimes the stars align for both a patient and their doctor. That was the case for Adam Gourlay, of Fredon, New Jersey, and his hematologist/oncologist and leukemia specialist, James K. McCloskey, M.D.
Then 33 years old and a 911 dispatcher for a municipal police department, Adam developed abdominal pain in late 2017. Then he experienced respiratory distress while snow plowing. His aunt shared the name of a hematologist who diagnoses and treats blood disorders. Not knowing what his issues stemmed from, Adam started there due to the familial connection.
Back-back-back lab tests both showed an unusually low white cell count, cells that help fight infection and disease. So in March 2018, Adam underwent a bone marrow biopsy of his spinal column at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, under the care of hematologist/oncologist Jamie L. Koprivnikar, M.D. The test analyzes marrow that produces and stores blood cells for the body.
Just days before Adam celebrated his twins’ second birthday, he received a diagnosis he never wanted to hear: Adam had advanced acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rapidly progressing cancer in which bone marrow makes too many abnormal blood cells. It usually affects people aged 60 and older.
Successful Remission Induction Therapy
Adam’s doctors recommended that he immediately start intensive remission induction therapy (initial treatment to decrease the signs of cancer) with chemotherapy—with the goal of clearing the blood and bone marrow of leukemia cells and bringing remission. The daily, month-long treatment also included blood transfusions, and antibiotics and antifungals to curb infections.
“I had lots of ups and downs during my initial treatment,” he says. But their goal of remission was achieved.
Adam faced a choice about what was next: more chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. The latter carried a 20 percent chance of death, required taking 40 pills a day and didn’t seem feasible.
Clinical Trial Offers Promising Option
Dr. McCloskey brought a third option to Adam: a clinical trial for the oral medication IDHIFA. It’s targeted gene therapy for adults who have a mutation in a gene called IDH2. “It basically turns the gene off and restores normal cell function,” Dr. McCloskey says.
Adam chose this option, which allowed him to stay in the hospital seven days a month and be home the rest of the time, traveling back and forth every other day to check his blood count.
Adam’s community and family rallied behind him. His wife drove him 1.5 hours to the hospital and back, his family and in-laws helped at home, and his community launched a “GoFundMe” campaign. “People at work even donated their sick and vacation time to me,” he says.
For Adam, the clinical trial was a complete success. He finished the observation period and continues taking the medication in long-term follow-up. He tolerates it very well, and without side effects, Dr. McCloskey says.
Taking a Leap of Faith With a Clinical Trial
Today, Adam is back at work, and when he’s not, he’s spending quality time with his three kids, including visiting theme parks and riding all-terrain vehicles.
“I’m doing really well, and I go to the hospital every three months for blood work,” he says. “I learned that life has speed bumps and can slow you down for a bit.”
Adds Dr. McCloskey: “I’m very pleased with Adam’s outcome. He really kept his experience in perspective. His story shows how disruptive leukemia can be in a patient’s life.”
Adam placed so much trust in the treatment team, when things could have been overwhelming, his doctor says. “It’s a leap of faith to participate in a trial, but we won’t make progress if patients like him don’t agree to participate,” Dr. McCloskey says.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: James K. McCloskey, M.D.
- To make an appointment with an oncologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about hematology oncology and cancer clinical trials at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
