Former U.S. Males’s Nationwide Group goalkeeper Kasey Keller is sharing a special sort of comeback story — one which unfolded off the sector.
In a current interview with CURE, Keller, age 56, mentioned his journey with giant B-cell lymphoma and the way CAR T-cell remedy helped him attain full remission after 13 prior therapies didn’t preserve the illness below management. Now almost 5 years with no proof of illness, he stated he selected to talk publicly for the primary time on a big platform round World Most cancers Day to assist others dealing with comparable diagnoses.
Keller is widely known as one of the vital completed goalkeepers in U.S. soccer historical past, incomes 102 worldwide appearances and taking part in professionally for 17 years throughout England, Spain, Germany and Main League Soccer. He served because the beginning goalkeeper for the nationwide crew for greater than a decade and later transitioned into broadcasting. All through remedy, he stated he leaned on the mindset that carried him via his athletic profession: give attention to what you’ll be able to management, preserve working when nobody is watching and preserve a powerful angle even on the toughest days.
Over time, Keller underwent 13 completely different therapies and ultimately transferred his care to Fred Hutch Most cancers Middle in Seattle, WA, when his case grew to become extra complicated. He described advocating for himself by asking questions, searching for second opinions and exploring each possibility. He inspired sufferers and households to do the identical and to depend on their assist techniques. He finally obtained CAR T-cell remedy with Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel). The method included gathering his T cells via apheresis, modifying them in a lab and reinfusing them. After predictable unwanted side effects, together with a excessive fever and a quick hospital keep, he noticed a powerful response. Inside about one month, he was in remission and two months later had no proof of illness.
Though his immune system has not absolutely recovered and his stamina is restricted, Keller stated he stays motivated to dwell absolutely. He hopes sharing his story exhibits sufferers that new choices might emerge and that holding on can open the door to extra time and risk.
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