Metchie’s rare form of cancer is difficult to treat
Texans rookie wide receiver John Metchie III likely will miss the 2022 season as he recovers from acute promyelocytic leukemia. The 22-yearold Alabama star announced the diagnosis Sunday on Twitter.
Here’s what to know about the rare blood cancer:
What is acute promyelocytic leukemia?
Acute promyelocytic leukemia is an aggressive form of blood cancer. It occurs in people whose body does not produce enough normal blood cells and platelets. As a result, immature blood cells build up in the person’s bone marrow, the spongy interior of bones.
Over time, those diagnosed with the rare cancer face an increased risk of life-threatening blood clots. They also may experience dangerous bleeding after minor injuries — especially dangerous for anyone who, like Metchie, gets pummeled for a living.
Doctors are improving at distinguishing acute promyelocytic leukemia from other types of blood cancer. Cancer researchers believe the rare disease is caused by a genetic change in a person’s chromosomes that develops after infancy.
How is the cancer detected?
For those diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, the warning signals can seem benign at first. According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common symptoms are mysterious bruises, loss of appetite, anemia and excessive bleeding.
Some people may also experience nosebleeds and have trouble breathing. Less common symptoms include bone and abdominal pain.
But because these symptoms can be related to many different diseases, including other blood cancers, acute promyelocytic leukemia can be hard to diagnose. Without firsthand experience, doctors may not immediately recognize the signs, according to the NIH.
How rare is it?
Extremely rare. The cancer affects less than 1,000 people each year.
On average, doctors diagnose between 600 and 800 cases of the rare leukemia annually, according to the National Organization for Rare Diseases. The median age of diagnosis is 40, meaning Metchie is nearly two decades younger than the average patient.
Is it treatable?
Metchie likely has a difficult treatment ahead.
According to a recent review by researchers in the Department of Leukemia at MD Anderson Cancer Center, most deaths from the rare form of leukemia occur within the first month of diagnosis. While new therapies have improved outcomes, approximately onethird of patients relapse.
Is Metchie likely to return to the Texans?
In a statement, Metchie remained optimistic.
“My main focus will be on my health and recovery,” he said. “I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever.”