Francis Cardinal George stops experimental cancer treatment

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Archdiocese of Chicago officials say that doctors stopped Francis Cardinal George's experimental cancer treatment after determining that it has "not been effective" in his ongoing cancer battle. According to a statement provided to the media, Cardinal George will meet with his Loyola University Hospital physicians in January to plan how to proceed with his medical treatment. So far, Cardinal George's cancer has not spread to any vital organs.

In the statement, archdiocesan officials say that Cardinal George "is at peace, but he counts on everyone's prayers that he might be of service to the Lord and His Church in the time left to him."

Cardinal George was initially diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2006. In 2012, cancer returned to his kidney and liver. After showing signs of progress, the cancer returned more aggressively in the spring of 2014.

Full Archdiocesan statement:

Cardinal George has been dropped from the clinical trial group that was being given an antibody drug in order to contain or reduce cancer. Recent scans showed that this experimental drug has not been effective in his case, but the physicians and others who are overseeing this trial assured him that the information that they had gathered during his course of treatment will be of benefit to others.

The Cardinal will meet with his physicians at Loyola University Hospital in January in order to discuss how best to address some of the side effects of his cancer, which so far has not spread to any vital organs. He is at peace, but he counts on everyone's prayers that he might be of service to the Lord and His Church in the time left to him.

Cardinal George would like to thank all those who have been praying for him, and asks them to continue to do so. You and those you love are remembered in his prayers as well. Cardinal George wishes you a blessed New Year.