"From a rapid, aggressive diagnosis to remission and a new life path, Emma Operacz's journey highlights the power of experimental treatment and family support in battling Stage IV T-cell lymphoma."
Emma Operacz, a student at Eastern Michigan University, has achieved remission from Stage IV T-cell lymphoma following a course of experimental treatment and a subsequent bone marrow transplant. Diagnosed in June 2024, Operacz experienced rapid disease progression, including spread to her central nervous system and brain. Her treatment involved an experimental medication, alectinib, leading to remission, and a transplant from her sister, Sara Operacz, which necessitated a 70-day isolation period. Operacz has since graduated and commenced a graduate program in social work.
Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
In June 2024, Emma Operacz began experiencing symptoms initially attributed to a urinary tract infection. Despite antibiotic treatment, her condition worsened, leading to side pain, fever, and severe fatigue, with Operacz becoming bedridden for two weeks. A CT scan did not provide a diagnosis. Following a conversation with her sister, Sara, Operacz consulted a urinary gynecologist who identified swollen lymph nodes, leading to a referral to the emergency room.
At the hospital, a pelvic exam and ultrasound confirmed swollen lymph nodes, and lymphoma was suggested as a potential cause. Operacz's symptoms intensified, including an increasing fever and an unstable heart. During a week-long hospital stay, a biopsy was performed. The biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Stage IV T-cell lymphoma, specifically ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. At the time of diagnosis, Operacz was 21 years old.
"Initially dismissed as a UTI, Emma Operacz's escalating symptoms culminated in a diagnosis of Stage IV T-cell lymphoma at just 21 years old."
Rapid Progression and Specialized Care
Following an initial stabilization and discharge, Operacz experienced a rapid deterioration of her condition, marked by severe pain and rapidly worsening lymph node swelling. This led to re-hospitalization, where chemotherapy was initiated. She faced multiple readmissions due to complications, including infections and migraines. Subsequent scans revealed that the cancer had spread to her central nervous system and brain.
On July 12, 2024, Operacz was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic for specialized treatment due to the advanced nature of her condition. Her health continued to decline, and initial treatments largely proved ineffective.
A Turning Point: Experimental Treatment
Dr. Deepa Jagadeesh, Operacz's oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic, proposed an experimental treatment using alectinib. Alectinib is a medication typically used for lung cancer but was identified as capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and had shown effectiveness in pediatric patients with similar cancer types. After receiving health insurance approval, Operacz began the administration of alectinib on August 20, 2024. Her condition showed rapid improvement, and she achieved remission by September.
"Within weeks of starting an experimental lung cancer drug, alectinib, Emma Operacz achieved remission from aggressive Stage IV T-cell lymphoma."
Bone Marrow Transplant and Isolation
To maintain remission and reduce the risk of relapse, a bone marrow transplant was recommended. Her 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.
Life Beyond Cancer: Graduation and New Goals
After completing her isolation period, Operacz began rebuilding her life, resuming online classes and gradually engaging in social activities. She relocated to Ohio to live with her sister. In December 2025, she graduated from Eastern Michigan University.
In January, Operacz enrolled in a graduate program for social work, stating her goal 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 considered cured after five years.
"Having overcome Stage IV lymphoma, Emma Operacz is now pursuing a graduate degree in social work, driven by a desire to help other cancer patients."