Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy, has publicly announced her diagnosis of a rare form of cancer. Schlossberg is a journalist and author specializing in environmental topics.
Her diagnosis was revealed in an essay titled "A Battle with My Blood," published by The New Yorker on Saturday, the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather's assassination. In the essay, Schlossberg indicates that treatments over the past year have not resulted in lasting remission, and the disease is considered life-limiting.
Schlossberg, 35, is the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg. She is married and has two children.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Inversion 3
The diagnosed condition is acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with inversion 3, a blood cancer characterized by a rare mutation. This mutation is typically observed in older patients; Schlossberg received her diagnosis at age 34.
Dr. Clark Alsfeld, a hematology oncologist specializing in leukemias and myeloid malignancies at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, described AML with inversion 3 as an aggressive mutation. He noted that achieving long-term remission is challenging, and survival rates are lower compared to other types of AML. Dr. Alsfeld is also an expert in stem cell transplantation, a treatment Schlossberg underwent.
Limited information exists regarding the causes of this specific disease or factors that increase its risk. Schlossberg's diagnosis was made through blood tests on the day her second child was born, despite her reporting no prior symptoms and having engaged in physical activity the day before. Dr. Alsfeld stated that such leukemias are generally not thought to linger for extended periods before detection.
Commentary on Public Health
In her essay, Schlossberg also addressed public health discourse. She referenced her first cousin once removed, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for President as an Independent. Schlossberg cited concerns regarding his history of vaccine skepticism, perceived lack of medical field experience, and opposition to funding for medical research. She expressed that these views impacted her perception of the healthcare system's stability.
Dr. Alsfeld highlighted the potential for personal accounts like Schlossberg's to increase public awareness of conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia. He also expressed hope that such articles might stimulate interest in increased funding for medical research, following reported cuts to federal research grants.