“Near remission:” Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek gives update on cancer fight
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According to a new statement from Trebek, he says doctors say he is responding well to the first round of chemotherapy and is near remission:
“They are VERY happy with the way I have responded to the chemo and in fact say that I am ‘near remission.’ I want to be clear that I am not cured and not in remission, but the doctors say they have never seen such a positive response to chemo. I believe that this response is due in large part to the thoughts and prayers of all of my friends, co-workers, and the millions of fans who have been sending positive energy on my behalf.”
Trebek announced in March that he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He said he planned to beat the disease's low survival rate with the love and support of family and friends and with prayers from viewers.
The 78-year-old TV personality tells People magazine he's responding very well to chemotherapy and the doctors have told him "they hadn't seen this kind of positive results in their memory." Trebek says some of the tumors have shrunk by more than 50%.
The American Cancer Society estimates 3% of patients with stage 4 pancreatic cancer are alive 5 years after being diagnosed.
Trebek says he still has several more rounds of treatment to hopefully get into full remission.