Sid Sijbrandij, the co-founder and former CEO of GitLab, shared his remarkable journey of overcoming osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, using artificial intelligence. He recounted his experience during a recent OpenAI forum. In 2022, Sid was diagnosed with a 6 cm tumor located near his spine. Despite undergoing surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the cancer re-emerged in 2024, leaving his oncologist without any remaining approved treatment options. Faced with a grim prognosis of only months to live, Sid decided to take a proactive approach to his health, stepping down from his role as CEO. He assembled a team of experts in artificial intelligence, medicine, and genetics to tackle his illness like a startup. Together, they analyzed extensive datasets, including single-cell DNA and RNA sequences, medical imaging, and blood test results, through AI systems. This advanced analysis helped pinpoint potential treatment targets and generate insightful questions for medical specialists. Jacob Stern, who collaborated with Sid, noted that Sid utilized ChatGPT to navigate unfamiliar medical topics and engage effectively with various experts. The AI analysis indicated a significant presence of the FAP protein in Sid's tumor, which led them to a German physician offering an experimental therapy aimed at targeting FAP with radioactive compounds. After undergoing two rounds of this innovative treatment, Sid saw a 20% reduction in tumor size, and approximately 60% of the tumor cells were eradicated, making it feasible for surgical removal. Today, Sid is cancer-free and has made all his data publicly accessible at osteosarc.com. He is also establishing companies focused on helping other patients access similar treatment methods. According to Sid, some of these tests are already available to patients willing to persuade their doctors to explore less conventional options.
Informational material. 18+.
