House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is reportedly getting an autologous stem cell transplant as part of his battle against cancer. The news was announced by his office in a statement on Friday.
Rep. Steve Scalise, who has been battling cancer, is getting stem cell transplant https://t.co/woc121W7Q9 pic.twitter.com/QYBfWrjEIE
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) January 6, 2024
“Last month, Leader Scalise successfully completed induction chemotherapy and had a positive response. It has now been determined he is eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant. He is currently undergoing the transplant process, marking a significant milestone in his battle against cancer,” the statement read.
An autologous stem cell transplant, also known as an autologous bone marrow transplant, is a procedure in which healthy blood stem cells from one’s body are used to replace a bone marrow that is not in good working condition.
The office went further to state that Scalise will work remotely after the procedure while his medical team watches his health. He will not be back in Washington until next month, his team announced.
Per the statement, Scalise “is incredibly grateful to have progressed so well, and is thankful to his entire medical team, family, friends, and colleagues for their prayers and support.”
In August of 2023, Scalise announced that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer that forms in plasma cells.
The development in Scalise’s illness comes months after his unsuccessful bid for House Speaker in October after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted. His battle with cancer was former President Donald Trump’s reason for not endorsing his bid, as the GOP presidential candidate said that the lawmaker needs to “get better for himself.”
Scalise didn’t appear to take issue with Trump’s decision to endorse House Oversight Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) instead.
On Jan. 1, he endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign, writing, “I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2024, and I look forward to working with President Trump and a Republican House and Senate to fight for those families who are struggling under the weight of Biden’s failed policies.”
I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2024, and I look forward to working with President Trump and a Republican House and Senate to fight for those families who are struggling under the weight of Biden’s failed policies.https://t.co/FTmUcORccr
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScaliseGOP) January 2, 2024
