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In this episode of Cancer Covered: Highlighting the impact of gene therapy on Mason’s life and the potential for this treatment to revolutionize the lives of individuals with bleeding disorders, Dr. Mitch Winkler, Andrea Miller, Dr. Matthew Ryan, and Mason Buxton discuss the Hemophilia Outreach Center and the advancements in gene therapy for Hemophilia B. Mason, who has Hemophilia B, shares his experience as the first patient to receive gene therapy since its FDA approval.
Andrea Miller is the nurse practitioner at the Hemophilia Outreach Center. With nine years of experience in the field, she started as a nurse and transitioned into the role of nurse practitioner. Andrea emphasizes the comprehensive care provided at the center, including access to various services such as dieticians, dental hygienists, social workers, and genetic counselors. Andrea attended Chamberlain University in Chicago, IL, and graduated with a Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner degree in Dec. 2022, completing her clinical internship at Bellin Health Family Practice.
Dr. Matthew Ryan is a physician at Green Bay Oncology and the Hemophilia Outreach Center. With 13 years of experience, Matthew highlights the connection between cancer and blood disorders, explaining that many cancer doctors also specialize in blood disorders. He discusses the historical link between hematologists and medical oncologists and the importance of both professions in providing comprehensive care.
Mason Buxton is a Hemophilia Outreach Center patient living with Hemophilia B. He shares his personal experience of living with a bleeding disorder, including the limitations it imposes on his daily life and the challenges of self-administering factor infusions. Mason also discusses his journey as the first patient to receive gene therapy for hemophilia B since its FDA approval, highlighting its positive impact on his life. Employing his love of cooking, Mason works as a full-time cook at Mulligans Sports Bar and Grill and is a graduate of Appleton East High School
“I want everybody to be able to have access to this treatment and have bleed-free futures and live a happy, normal life.”
– Mason Buxton
This Week on Cancer Covered:
- The Hemophilia Outreach Center provides comprehensive care to patients with bleeding disorders, offering services such as dieticians, dental hygienists, social workers, and genetic counselors.
- How Factor infusions are used to replace the clotting factors missing in individuals with Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
- Gene therapy for Hemophilia B involves in delivering a copy of the missing gene to the liver, allowing the patient’s body to produce its own clotting factor.
- How gene therapy has shown promising results, with Mason’s factor levels increasing from 2% to 30% after the treatment.
- How the Hemophilia Outreach Center is an independent organization, providing specialized care without the constraints of hospital or university regulations.
- How the approval of gene therapy for Hemophilia B and Hemophilia A marks a significant advancement in the treatment of bleeding disorders.
- Gene therapy can potentially revolutionize the lives of individuals with bleeding disorders, offering a more convenient and effective treatment option.
Resources:
- Hemophilia Outreach Center: Provides comprehensive care for patients with bleeding disorders.
- Green Bay Oncology: Offers specialized medical care for cancer and blood disorders.
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