The type of cancer that has hit the former Alabama star has a 90 percent recovery rate
Texans rookie receiver John Metchie III shared the devastating news Sunday that he’s been diagnosed with APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia), which is so rare that it affects just about 1 in 250,000 people in the United States. APL is a cancer of the blood that leads to a shortage of normal red and white blood cells. The symptoms of APL include being especially susceptible to bruising and excessive bleeding due to the low number of platelets in the blood.
The good news for the 22-year-old, who the Texans drafted out of Alabama in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, is that APL is considered to be the most curable form of leukemia.
“I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time,” Metchie said in a statement released by the Texans. “As a result of this diagnosis, I will likely not be playing football this season. My main focus will be on my health and recovery. Thank you in advance for your support and well-wishes. I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever. God bless.”
Although Metchie, who is recovering from an ACL injury, likely won’t return to the football field this year, complete recovery rates for APL are as high as 90 percent. A big part of that success rate comes from All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a vitamin A derivative that is part of standard therapy for the disease. ATRA often is given in combination with chemotherapy, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“John has overcome every challenge placed in front of him in his life with toughness and determination and we are behind him every step of the way in his fight against leukemia,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It’s a blessing that he is in a city known for great medical care and with an organization, in the Houston Texans, who will be with him throughout this journey. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with him throughout this battle.”
