Israeli Patient Battles High-Risk Multiple Myeloma with Breakthrough CAR-T Therapy

Amir Khamis, a 50-year-old social worker from Kafr Qana, was diagnosed in 2017 with high-risk multiple myeloma after persistent severe back pain and a CT scan revealed a spinal lesion. Initially fearing paralysis, Amir soon learned the diagnosis was a form of blood cancer originating in plasma cells of the bone marrow. He faced the challenge of explaining the disease to his family while managing the uncertainty and disruption it caused to his life and work.

Multiple myeloma affects about 550 new patients annually in Israel and typically behaves as a chronic illness with periods of remission and relapse. Amir underwent initial treatments including two autologous stem cell transplants due to his relatively young age and aggressive disease. He maintained a relatively normal life for several years until late 2023 when the cancer recurred. In September 2025, a severe brain hemorrhage caused by an accident complicated his condition, halting his myeloma treatments and leading to a difficult recovery.

Dr. Noa Lavi, head of the myeloma service at Rambam Medical Center, explained that recent advances in immunotherapy, particularly personalized CAR-T cell therapy, have revolutionized treatment. This approach engineers a patient’s own immune cells to target cancer cells and can induce long-lasting remissions, raising hopes for potential cures. Unlike stem cell transplants, CAR-T therapy involves lower intensity chemotherapy and a single treatment cycle with shorter hospitalization.

After achieving disease control, Amir enrolled in a clinical trial and received CAR-T therapy in early 2026. He was discharged within 20 days and returned to work two weeks later, emphasizing the importance of staying active and supported by family and medical teams. Currently, he shows no active disease but remains under close surveillance due to his high-risk status. Amir stresses the value of knowledge, trust in medical professionals, and not facing the diagnosis alone. He views the new treatment not just as medical progress but as a chance to reclaim his life and plan for the future, including dreams of becoming a grandfather.

Summary: Amir Khamis, an Israeli multiple myeloma patient, overcame a high-risk diagnosis and severe complications through advanced CAR-T cell therapy, achieving remission and returning to work while under ongoing medical supervision.

Points: - Amir Khamis was diagnosed with high-risk multiple myeloma in 2017 after severe back pain and spinal lesion discovery. - He underwent two autologous stem cell transplants and managed disease relapses over several years. - A brain hemorrhage in 2025 complicated his condition, pausing cancer treatments. - CAR-T cell therapy, a personalized immunotherapy, offered a breakthrough treatment option. - Amir received CAR-T in 2026, quickly recovered, and returned to work with no active disease. - He emphasizes patient education, support, and hope for potential myeloma cures.

Topic: health israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Amir Khamis","Noa Lavi"],"organizations":["Rambam Medical Center"],"places":["Kafr Qana","Israel"]}