Youth Gets Marrow Transplant

Joshua Kaplan, a 13-year-old Leucadia boy stricken with leukemia is reportedly doing well after receiving a lifesaving bone marrow transplant in Seattle.

Officials at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle said the transplant was completed early Friday, after an all-night infusion. The donor was identified by hospital spokeswoman Tammy Brown only as a middle-aged man.

According to a statement released by the hospital, the “perfectly matching” donor’s marrow was flown to Seattle on Thursday. During the summer, about 4,900 potential donors from San Diego County were tested for compatibility, but none was found. It is not known where the donor lives, but he was found by the National Marrow Donor Program.

Doctor Confident Marrow ‘Will Take’

Dr. Rudolf Brutoco, who is one of Joshua’s doctors and chairman of the Southern California based Life-Savers Foundation of America, said he is confident that the marrow “will take” but added that infection will remain a threat until the youngster’s immune system is built up.

“Infection is his immediate biggest risk. The issue within the next few weeks will have to do with infection and rejection. During the next few weeks, he has to be able to start producing new cells from the donated marrow. The new cells should be produced within 15 to 40 days,” Brutoco said.

It is hoped that the donated marrow will help Johsua’s blood system develop white cells, which are instrumental in fighting infections; red cells, which carry oxygen to the body, and platelets, which promote clotting that stops bleeding.

Meanwhile, Joshua will remain isolated in a laminer flow room, in which special fans at one end of the room constantly move the air in one direction so airborne germs can flow away from him.

Joshua’s parents will be allowed to enter the room after scrubbing up and donning special suits. Until his immune system is strengthened, doctors will not allow any direct contact between Joshua and his parents. He is expected to remain in the hospital for up to 100 days, Brown said.

Last week, Joshua’s parents, Dr. Roy Kaplan and his wife, Sherri, flew to Seattle when they were notified that a donor had been found. The couple also took Joshua’s younger sister, Jenny. The Kaplans could not be reached for comment Friday.

Joshua was found to have acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) about four years ago. The disease strikes one in 100,000 and its cause is unknown. Modern medical techniques and chemotherapy sent the disease into remission, but it resurfaced in April.

Hospital officials said Joshua’s family does not know the donor’s name. The donor is also not aware that his marrow was transplanted. Brown said Joshua and his donor may be introduced later, depending on how the youngster progresses.