"Four years ago University of Pennsylvania researchers published early but electrifying results. An experimental Tcell therapy eradicated endstage leukemia in two patients and put a third in remission. Soon after that pharmaceutical giant Novartis partnered with Penn aiming to commercialize the breakthrough. Since then a more modest picture of success has emerged in treating the blood cancer a type called chronic lymphocytic leukemia CLL that usually strikes in middle age or later. Walter J. Urba httpsoregon.providence.orgphysiciandirectoryuurbawalterj director of research at Providence Cancer Center httpsoregon.providence.orgourservicespprovidencecancercenter in Portland Ore. wrote an editorial four years ago cautioning that only wider testing would show whether Penns impressive initial results were an authentic advance for CLL. Last week Urba said Penns Tcell therapy remains very exciting despite the costs and toxic side effects. Everything we do in oncology is a riskbenefit balance Urba said. I suspect that over time well have better Tcell therapies maybe given with other immune therapies.     Indeed Penn and other centers have begun testing nextgeneration T cells in more blood malignancies including lymphomas and against the ultimate biological challenge  solid tumor cancers.    For Penns very first Tcell patient Bill Ludwig  the pace of progress is thrilling humbling and yet a bit of a letdown.    The retired corrections officer from Bridgeton N.J. was losing his decadelong battle with CLL when he agreed to try the novel therapy in August .    I didnt hesitate because I had no options left he recalled last week. And also these people at Penn had been so wonderful to me and my family for  years. I felt obligated to say yes. Did I ever think it would be successful Not in a million years.    He suffered catastrophic side effects as his immune system went into overdrive and his body struggled to eliminate seven pounds worth of dead cancer cells.    I was in intensive care with all my major organs shutting down he said. My lower extremities were twice the size they should have been. They called my wife and said Hes not going to see the sunrise.     They were wrong.    I was a skeleton when I walked out a month later he said. But I walked out being told they couldnt find any cancer cells in my body. When youve already accepted your fate to have it  degrees changed its unnerving.    Ludwig and his wife have since bought a recreational vehicle and traveled the country seen grandchildren graduate high school and welcomed three greatgrandchildren.    Still he cant help feeling disappointed that the phenomenal early success of the therapy was just that.    When two out of three are successful you think maybe it will be  out of  or  out of . I figured if they can cure me they can cure everyone.    He corrected himself Theyve never said cured. But cancerfree works for me."