Trust Betrayed: Man Endures 9 Years of Unnecessary Chemotherapy for a Misdiagnosed Cancer

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/anthony-olson-thomas-weiner-montana-st-peters-hospital-leukemia

Anthony Olson, diagnosed with diabetes at age 4 and later facing kidney failure, had dreams of a normal life. However, in 2011, at age 33, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) by Dr. Thomas Weiner, a prominent oncologist at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. Olson underwent nearly a decade of chemotherapy, believing it was necessary.

Weiner, who was later accused of misdiagnosing and unnecessarily treating patients for financial gain, had significant power within the hospital. Despite suspicions from colleagues, he remained employed until 2020, when he was fired. A subsequent review of Olson’s case revealed that a second biopsy in 2011 showed no MDS, but Weiner ignored it and continued chemotherapy. Further testing confirmed Olson never had the disease.

Many of Weiner’s patients, including Olson, initially defended him, believing he had extended their lives. However, as evidence of misdiagnoses and harmful treatments emerged, the extent of the harm he caused—both physical and psychological—became clear. Weiner denied wrongdoing and sued the hospital, though his lawsuit was dismissed.

McSwane, J. D. (2024, December 20). "I thought he was helping me": Patient endured 9 years of chemotherapy for cancer he never had. ProPublica.

https://www.propublica.org/article/anthony-olson-thomas-weiner-montana-st-peters-hospital-leukemia