At first glance, Jovon Moss looks like any other happy 4-year-old. Dressed in a Flash costume, he has a big grin on his face and is happy to chat about anything. Unfortunately, Jovon is not like most other children. He has been battling a rare, life-threatening immune disorder.
Jovon was diagnosed with the condition when he was three years old. He arrived at the hospital with a variety of symptoms including a persistent cough, fatigue, seizures, and a large tumour that was partially blocking his airways. Doctors diagnosed him as having stage 2 lymphoma, which was caused by X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome — an extremely rare immune disorder that made him vulnerable to certain types of infections.
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome occurs in about 1 in every one million people. It greatly increases the risk of lymphohistiocytosis, Epstein-Barr virus (RBV), mononucleosis, and lymphoma. The condition is caused by a gene mutation that affects how the immune system functions.
After being diagnosed, Jovon began visiting the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center clinic to receive a immunoglobulin drip twice a month. This treatment helps to bolster his immune system and reduce the risk of Jovon catching an infectious disease.
Doctors suggested that Jovon use a stem cell therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat his condition. Jovon began a 4-month course of chemotherapy and his doctors requested permission from the FDA to try a new stem cell therapy.
The stem cell therapy would replenish Jovon’s supply of T cells and help fight infections in his body. A few months after receiving the chemotherapy treatment and stem cell therapy, Jovon began feeling better. He had gained weight and was looking much healthier. Thanks to this treatment, Jovon can say goodbye to the hospital where he has spent many months and get back to being a normal kid!
Source: Stem cell therapy combats a one-in-a-million immune disorder for 4-year-old boy
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