Sam Neill reveals he is cancer-free after cell therapy trial

“Jurassic Park” star Sam Neill announced that after being diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer four years ago, he is finally cured.

In a recent interview with 7News Australia, the 78-year-old New Zealand actor explained that he was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and had been on chemotherapy for several years.

He described chemo as “pretty miserable business,” but said it was keeping him alive. The lymphoma type is a rare, quick-spreading blood cancer that can affect the immune system.

When the chemo stopped working, the "Peaky Blinders" actor said things became much more serious. “ I was at a loss and it looked like I was on the way out, which wasn't ideal.”

With limited options left, Neill turned to a CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial in Australia. According to Cleveland Clinic, Chimeric Antigen Receptor or CAR T-cell turns T cells (a type of white blood cells) into “more efficient cancer-fighting machines.”

After undergoing the advanced, experimental treatment, Neill received life-changing results. “I've just had a scan just now and there is no cancer in my body," Sam revealed, describing it as “an extraordinary thing.”

Reflecting on his progress, Neill said he was very excited at how this development had been possible. As his health improves, he’s also looking ahead to returning to work. “It’s time I did another movie,” he added.

In a lengthy message shared on social media, Neill delved into his experience and reflected on his treatment journey. He said he joined a clinical trial, describing it as “uncharted waters” and jokingly referring to himself as “Patient Zero.” 

Follow-up scans later apparently showed no signs of cancer, with Neill writing, “I am pleased, indeed delighted to say that there is no cancer in my body. All clear.”

Neill emphassized that advanced treatments should more widely available, advocating with the Snowdome Foundation for broader access to such treatments.

According to The Guardian, therapy is currently accessible in Australia’s public health system only for certain cancers and at select hospitals, while private treatment can cost over A$600,000 per patient.

Neill first learned of his diagnosis in 2022 while promoting “Jurassic World Dominion.” In his memoir "Did I Ever Tell You This?", he recounted how he noticed symptoms that led him to seek medical testing.