3 Cured HIV Patients Share Experiences and Risks

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

Three patients cured of human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) Adam Castillejo, Paul Edmonds and Marc Franke, have shared their remarkable journeys and the perils of the treatment that saved their lives.

The three who shared their stories at the International AIDs Conference in Munich brought a new dimension of hope and complexity to the ongoing battle against the HIV epidemic.

Castillejo, widely known as the “London patient,” described his long and uncertain road to being declared free of the virus, saying: “There is not a specific time when you say: ‘You’re cured.”

He also emphasized the gradual realization and cautious optimism that comes with such a diagnosis.

The conference highlighted the extreme risks associated with the stem cell transplant procedure that cured these patients.

The treatment, initially aimed at addressing aggressive leukemia, has a 10% risk of death and is only suitable for those with both HIV and severe cancer. This reality was underscored by Franke, the “Duesseldorf patient,” who reflected on his ordeal, stating, “I can’t recommend it to anyone.”

Despite the daunting process, the testimonies offered a glimmer of hope as Edmonds, another cured patient, acknowledged the procedure’s dangers but also emphasized its potential.

“We’re living proof that it can happen,” Edmonds said, offering encouragement to researchers and patients alike.

Sharon Lewin, President of the International AIDS Society, hailed these cases as “really exciting.” She however acknowledged the limitations of the therapy, noting that it is only applicable to a very small fraction of the 40 million people living with HIV.

“These are very rare cases, but they inspire new directions in science,” Lewin said.