Emma Operacz Achieves Remission from Stage IV Lymphoma After Experimental Treatment
Emma Operacz, an Eastern Michigan University student, achieved remission from Stage IV T-cell lymphoma, specifically ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, in late 2024. Her recovery followed an experimental treatment involving the drug alectinib and a subsequent bone marrow transplant. Operacz, who was 21 at the time of her diagnosis, has since graduated and begun a graduate program with a focus on assisting cancer patients.
Initial Diagnosis and Deterioration
In June 2024, Emma Operacz, then 21, began experiencing symptoms that included side pain, fever, and severe fatigue. These were initially misattributed to a urinary tract infection. After antibiotics proved ineffective and her condition worsened, she consulted a urinary gynecologist who identified swollen lymph nodes, prompting an emergency room visit.
Further medical evaluations, including a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and a biopsy during a week-long hospital stay, confirmed a diagnosis of Stage IV T-cell lymphoma. This was specifically identified as ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Following initial stabilization and discharge, Operacz's condition rapidly deteriorated. She experienced severe pain and worsening lymph node swelling, necessitating re-hospitalization where chemotherapy was initiated. Frequent complications, including infections and migraines, resulted in multiple readmissions.
Subsequent scans indicated the cancer had spread to her central nervous system and brain. On July 12, 2024, due to the advanced nature of her condition and the ineffectiveness of existing treatments, Operacz was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic, where her health continued to decline.
Experimental Treatment and Remission
Dr. Deepa Jagadeesh, Operacz's oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic, proposed an experimental treatment utilizing alectinib. Alectinib, a medication typically used for lung cancer, was considered due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its demonstrated effectiveness in pediatric patients with similar cancer types.
Following approval from her health insurance provider, Operacz began treatment with alectinib on August 20, 2024. Her condition showed rapid improvement, leading to the achievement of remission by September 2024.
Bone Marrow Transplant and Recovery
To maintain remission and reduce the risk of relapse, a bone marrow transplant was recommended. Operacz's older sister, Sara Operacz, was identified as a matching donor. The transplant procedure took place on November 8, 2024, one day after Emma Operacz's 22nd birthday.
Following the transplant, Operacz underwent a 70-day period of isolation in Cleveland to allow her immune system to recover. During this time, she continued her studies through online classes and gradually began to resume social activities and short trips. She subsequently relocated to Ohio to live with her sister.
Post-Recovery and Future Endeavors
In December 2025, Operacz graduated from Eastern Michigan University. In January 2026, she enrolled in a graduate program for social work, expressing an intention to work with cancer patients.
She continues to receive regular follow-up medical care. According to her medical team, the risk of relapse is expected to decrease significantly two years post-transplant, with patients generally considered cured after five years.