72-year-old Charters Towers local Warren Hermann first person in NQ to receive CAR T-cell therapy at Townsville University Hospital

With the dream of beating cancer so he can finish his wish of repairing his late daughter’s car, a 72-year-old Charters Towers man has become the first person in North Queensland to receive a cutting-edge cancer treatment.

Cancer patient Warren Hermann and Dr Joel Wright at the Townsville University Hospital.

72-year-old Charters Towers local Warren Hermann has become the first person in North Queensland to receive a cutting-edge cancer treatment.

Eager to beat cancer so he can finish his wish of repairing his late daughter’s car, Mr Hermann has been battling lung problems for more than 15 years and relapsed after being treated for lymphoma.

Recognised as the ideal first recipient, Mr Hermann was the first to undergo CAR T-cell therapy treatment at the Townsville University Hospital on Tuesday morning.

The procedure involves removing the T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from the

patient’s body and then modifying them with special receptors called Chimeric Antigen

Receptors (CAR) before they are multiplied in a lab and reinfused into the patient’s body.

This then allows the specialised T-cells to recognise and attack the cancer cells in the patient’s blood. The hope is that other blood cancer patients are able to receive cancer treatment in Townsville, meaning they don’t need to travel to Brisbane.

His motivation to beat the disease was to return and complete his late daughter Vanessa’s LandCruiser car project.

Cancer patient Warren Hermann and Dr Joel Wright at the Townsville University Hospital.

“My oldest daughter Vanessa was 52 years old when she took her own life and fixing her car will help me get a bit of closure,” he said.

“I want to get back to panel beating and spray painting my daughter’s car and finishing it off

and I am very optimistic about the CAR T-cell therapy.”

Mr Hermann said he has been battling a range of health issues and has undergone many treatments and surgeries.

“Previously my cancer has been slow growing, but it has now shifted to a very aggressive cancer. Through my health journey I have also been battling skin cancer and have had several other surgeries, more than 60 hits of radiation and almost two dozen doses of chemotherapy,” he said.

Haematologist and treating physician Dr Joel Wight said having the treatment available in

North Queensland would make a world of difference for eligible blood-cancer patients.

“Townsville is the first regional city in Australia to introduce the revolutionary treatment and it will mean patients like Mr Hermann won’t need to travel to Brisbane,” Dr Wight said.

“CAR T-cells are fascinating and a real triumph of science. Having this treatment close to home in Townsville makes a world of difference.”

Dr Wight said Townsville University Hospital is the first regional centre in the country to be able to deliver the treatment and it was “a testament” to the hard work and dedication of the staff.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said it was a huge

team effort to bring the therapy method to north Queensland.

“We have been pushing to bring more advanced medical treatments to north Queensland to

ensure the community has access to the best possible care without the burden of travel,” Mr

Keyes said.

“Townsville University Hospital prides itself on delivering world-class treatments.”

“In every facet of healthcare, technology is making a significant difference in the types of treatments and therapies we have available.”

Originally published as 72-year-old Charters Towers local Warren Hermann first person in NQ to receive CAR T-cell therapy at Townsville University Hospital