Shakib
After CAR-T did not control his B-cell leukemia, Shakib from Jordan reached complete MRD-negative remission through a stem cell transplant in China.
Why the Family Contacted CancerFax
A relapsed leukemia that has not responded to CAR-T is one of the hardest situations a family can face. Knowing which centres genuinely handle these cases, what the next realistic step is, and how to access it from another country is difficult to work out alone.
Few hospitals manage high volumes of difficult, relapsed leukemia and haploidentical transplants. Identifying one with genuine experience needed specialist knowledge.
Understanding whether a parental-donor transplant was appropriate after CAR-T did not work required experienced medical review.
Medical records, translation, hospital communication, visas, and travel logistics all needed to be coordinated across countries.
"When we were told the CAR-T treatment had not worked, we did not know what to do next. We needed someone to help us understand what options were still open to us."β Shakib's family
How CancerFax Helped
CancerFax helped the family organise Shakib's medical history, identify a centre with experience in relapsed leukemia and haploidentical transplant, and coordinate the practical steps of arranging treatment in another country.
Chemotherapy history, CAR-T records, bone marrow reports, and blood counts were compiled into a structured file for specialist review.
CancerFax identified Lu Daopei Hospital in Beijing as a centre with deep experience in relapsed leukemia and haploidentical stem cell transplantation.
Medical documents were translated and communication between the family and the hospital team was managed throughout the evaluation.
Visa documentation, accommodation, and on-the-ground logistics were coordinated for Shakib and his accompanying family.
Shakib's Treatment Journey
Key steps from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Shakib, 16, from Jordan, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), an aggressive blood cancer requiring urgent treatment.
Initial chemotherapy did not control the disease. CD19/CD22 CAR-T cell therapy was given on 21 April 2025. The cells expanded briefly but the response did not last, and the leukemic blasts in his blood rose sharply within two weeks.
A bone marrow test on 15 May 2025 confirmed the leukemia had not gone into remission, with about 37 percent abnormal B lymphoblasts. Salvage chemotherapy followed as the team prepared for transplant.
On 29 to 30 May 2025, Shakib received a haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplant using a parent as a partially matched donor at Lu Daopei Hospital, Beijing.
His new blood cells began to take hold within the first three weeks. By day 28 (27 June 2025), his blood counts had recovered, the bone marrow showed no abnormal cells, donor chimerism reached 100 percent, and he had achieved complete remission with no measurable residual disease (MRD-negative).
By day 49 (18 July 2025), the bone marrow remained clear of abnormal cells and the complete, MRD-negative remission was sustained. A mild grade 1 intestinal graft-versus-host reaction occurred and was managed with medication.
Every patient's treatment plan is individual. The pathway above describes this specific case β not a blueprint for others. Suitability for each treatment is determined by the treating clinical team based on each patient's individual clinical situation.
Where Shakib Is Today
Shakib is in complete remission with no measurable residual disease and full donor chimerism. His blood counts have recovered and his bone marrow is clear of leukemic cells. A mild intestinal graft-versus-host reaction after the transplant was treated and brought under control.
He remains under regular monitoring by his transplant team, which is standard after an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Ongoing follow-up will track his recovery and watch for any signs of disease return.
β"He is recovering well and is starting to feel like himself again. We are grateful for the support that helped us reach this point."ββ Shakib's family
What Other Families Can Learn
Shakib's journey offers a few practical takeaways for families facing relapsed leukemia.
When CAR-T or chemotherapy does not lead to remission, other treatments such as an allogeneic stem cell transplant may still offer a realistic path. Specialist review can clarify what remains possible.
Haploidentical transplants for relapsed leukemia are complex. Choosing a centre with genuine depth in these procedures is an important decision.
Relapsed leukemia can move quickly. Exploring the next option while the patient is still well enough to undergo it can make a difference.
Records, translation, hospital communication, and travel logistics can be overwhelming. Coordinated support removes much of that burden for families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This patient story reflects an individual treatment journey. Outcomes vary from patient to patient. The information on this page should not be taken as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results. Treatment suitability depends on diagnosis, disease status, prior therapy, molecular findings, overall health, and specialist medical evaluation. Names and identifying details may be modified to protect patient privacy. All clinical decisions must be made in consultation with a qualified, licensed physician with access to the patient's complete medical information.
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If you or a loved one is facing a complex cancer diagnosis, relapse, or limited treatment options, CancerFax can help you organise the case, explore relevant hospitals and doctors, and understand whether advanced treatment or clinical trial pathways may be appropriate.
Β© CancerFax Β· Patient navigation and coordination platform. CancerFax is not a medical institution and does not provide medical treatment. All clinical care is provided by independent licensed physicians and hospitals. Patient names and identifying details are modified or anonymised where required to protect privacy. Story shared with documented family consent.