Scott Adams, the creator of the iconic Dilbert comic strip and host of the daily Coffee With Scott Adams podcast, is facing a desperate race against time. He’s publicly appealing for help, not from doctors or researchers, but from a former president.
Adams is battling stage 4 prostate cancer, a diagnosis he revealed earlier this year, noting a chilling parallel with President Joe Biden’s own condition. The cancer has metastasized to his bones, and his prognosis was initially grim, leading him to believe his time might be limited to this past summer.
However, a new FDA-approved drug, Pluvicto, offers a glimmer of hope. This treatment has demonstrated the ability to shrink advanced tumors and significantly extend the lives of those facing terminal illness. Adams’ healthcare provider, Kaiser of Northern California, has approved him for the treatment, but a critical step is missing.
Despite approval, the scheduling of the simple, yet vital, IV administration of Pluvicto has stalled. Adams is now in a rapidly declining state, and the delay is potentially life-threatening. He’s reached a point where conventional channels have failed to produce a response.
In an extraordinary move, Adams has turned to President Donald Trump, who previously offered his assistance after learning of Adams’ diagnosis. Adams publicly stated he will ask Trump, via social media, to intervene with Kaiser and expedite the scheduling of his treatment for Monday.
Adams famously predicted Trump’s rise to power, recognizing his unique persuasive abilities. Now, he’s placing his faith in that same power, hoping for a lifeline. He believes a prompt administration of Pluvicto could buy him precious time, a fighting chance to remain on this planet.
While not a cure, Pluvicto offers tangible benefits to many patients. For Adams, it represents a crucial opportunity to extend his life and continue his work, a chance he feels is slipping away with each passing hour. The situation underscores the frustrating realities patients can face navigating complex healthcare systems, even with approved treatments.
The former president had previously reached out to Adams, inquiring about his well-being and offering support. Adams described the call as a genuine expression of concern, a simple check-in to ensure he was receiving the care he needed. Now, that offer of help is being put to the ultimate test.