5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Questions Remain on Jobs’ Health History

By The Associated Press | January 19, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — It would be easier to gauge Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ current medical problems if he had said more about the ones he has faced in the past.

Jobs, who turns 56 next month, said Monday that he would take a third leave of absence — he didn’t say how long — to focus on his health. It may not be as serious as many fear, but coming from a man who has had cancer and a liver transplant, the lack of detail is causing concern.

Jobs had a neuroendocrine tumor removed in 2004 — a rare and very treatable form of pancreatic cancer — but never said if it had spread to lymph nodes or how extensive his surgery was.

“We don’t really know how much of his pancreas was removed. He may just have a remnant,” and that may be causing continued digestive difficulties, said Dr. Charles R. Thomas of the Ohio State University’s Knight Cancer Institute.

Nor has Jobs revealed why he had a liver transplant in the spring of 2009. It could have been for an unrelated problem, but some experts not involved in his treatment speculated that his cancer had spread.

“These tumors are notorious for recurrence. It may take many years for them to reappear” because they grow so slowly, said Dr. Igor Astsaturov of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Since the transplant, Jobs has remained extremely thin and has not appeared at recent Apple events.

“If he’s jaundiced, there’s a concern the liver may not be working as well as it should,” Thomas said. Fatigue and weight loss also are troubling signs, he said.

Jobs could be suffering side effects from immune-suppressing medicines to prevent organ rejection. Even if his cancer has recurred, there are many treatment options, including chemotherapy and newer drugs that target various cancer pathways.

“It would be reasonable to consider surgery” or another procedure to destroy small tumors if the cancer turned up in his new liver, Thomas said. “They may be ready to do some aggressive intervention to get him back in the ballgame.”

Dr. Jennifer Obel, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Clinical Oncology and a cancer specialist at Northshore University Health System in suburban Chicago, said the prognosis is good for those with pancreatic tumors like the one Jobs had, even if they spread.

“He’s done extremely well living with this disease for many years,” she said. “I wouldn’t assume anything until he has released more information.”


Filed Under: Devices

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

High-directivity couplers optimized for 225 – 750 MHz applications
Integrated into IoT devices, iSIM poised to make inroads
Triple-radio and multiprotocol MCUs add application processors
5G vectors
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World