Gleevec Pioneer Mel Mann's 25 Year Survival Story

Today Gleevec is an incredibly common cancer treatment.  But like every drug on the market, it went through clinical trials more than two decades ago.  Our guest today, Mel Mann, was the second person to receive the drug, back in 1998. And it saved his life.Mel was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, (CML) in 1995 and was given three years to live.  At the time, a bone marrow transplant was the only option. The registry had far less people on it than today, particularly people of color.  At the time, only 1% of black patients could find a match.  So Mel, an Army Major at the time, did what he did best--with boots on the ground, he started organizing bone marrow drives - everywhere. And he enlisted his incredible friends to do the same.And while Mel didn't find a match, it was a chance meeting at a relative's drive that would change his life forever.  He takes us through the series of events that introduced him to a clinical trial for Gleevec, and just in time.  He ended up not needing a transplant. Mel is proud to say he not only got to see his daughter, five years-old when Mel was diagnosed, grow up but she has also become a doctor. We spend some time with Mel talking about clinical trials, and how important, even life-saving they can be.  As a patient, you truly need to be your own best advocate and Mel will show you the way.More:US Clinical Trials Website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKnbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.Thank you to this season's sponsors:Omeros Corporation: https://www.omeros.com/Incyte: https://www.incyte.com/ National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.