Ending Disease The Stem Cell, Anti-Cancer T Cell, and Antibody Revolution in Medicine

Ryan, a teenager who just became a quadriplegic. Steve, a father with brain cancer. Rosie, a mother who is blind from retinitis pigmentosa. Cheryl, whose lymphoma has spread to her breast and both lungs. Andrew, who is HIV-positive. And Ava, born without an immune system. These patients all hope for cures from the first generation of FDA-approved clinical trials for stem cell, CAR-T cell, and antibody therapies. For the first time in history there are cures for many diseases, some of which previously there weren’t even any treatments for.

Steve receives CAR T cells for his brain tumor. Cheryl enters a trial combining stem cell and CAR T cell therapies. Ryan receives stem cells that might allow him to use his arms and hands. Rosie and her family reconcile her stem cell treatment with their faith. Ava undergoes a treatment to grow immune cells without the need for chemo. And Ryan returns home 4 months after his stem cell treatment. This episode takes the viewer through a powerful emotional journey, following patients with their eyesight on the line, their ability to move on the line, and with their life on the line, revealing human stories of patients and their doctors working together on the frontier of medical science.

Rosie notices improvement in her vision. Steve’s tumor is sadly not responding to treatment, and he and his wife renew their vows. Ava’s treatment is a complete success while avoiding the dangers of chemo. 53 days after stem cell transplant, Cheryl shows no sign of cancer. Andrew numbers are good, and he and his mother reflect on the risk he is taking. Ryan makes progresses at regaining mobility. Medicine is in the process of changing from a lifetime of treatments to one-time cures.

Rosie and her family are excited about her vision improving. Ava’s immune system works so well that she is cleared to go to school. Cheryl’s lab work is perfect. Andrew becomes the first person cleared to stop his antiviral treatment for AIDS. Steve did not respond to his therapy. He and his family head home for a last Christmas together. Ryan is regaining mobility and he takes a driving lesson. These doctors are seeing results never before seen in history.