STAT+: Scientists link boy’s tumor to gene therapy viruses, in rare finding

STAT PlusBiotech Scientists link boy’s tumor to gene therapy viruses, in rare finding The risks of such treatments need to be weighed against what can be profound benefits, doctors say Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason MastMay 13, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast[email protected]Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. When 13-month-old Adam’s stem cell transplant failed, doctors had two options: A second transplant, which they warned carried a 10% to 15% risk of death, or a new and untested gene therapy. His parents, Mary Beth and Dave Brennan, had watched Adam endure the first transplant. At one point, he couldn’t breathe and nurses rushed into the room to keep him alive. So they went with gene therapy — and then watched Adam, born with a life-threatening rare disease, reach milestones, learn sign language, and teach himself to read. Advertisement Then last year a routine scan revealed a golf-ball sized tumor on his brain. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotech, CRISPR, gene editing, Gene therapy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jason Mast General Assignment Reporter Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Biotech May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Drug meant to make gene therapy safer may also make it less effective Matt's Take May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Why Marty Makary was the worst FDA commissioner in 25 years Advertisement Politics May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Makary departs FDA amid turmoil as Diamantas, agency’s top food official, steps in The Readout May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Hims’ sales miss as telehealth competition grows Biotech May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Capsida says it still doesn’t know what caused gene therapy death Subscriber Picks