Dave Coulier of ‘Full House’ Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Dave Coulier, 65, best known for playing Uncle Joey on “Full House,” has been diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive B cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He shared the news Wednesday in an exclusive with the “Today” show.
Coulier first noticed symptoms a little over a month ago. He had a cold and swelling in his groin area that rapidly grew to the size of a golf ball. He knew something wasn’t right and went to the doctor.
Scans and a biopsy showed cancer. Coulier called it a “gut punch.”
What Is B Cell Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system that helps rid the body of waste and toxins. Lymphomas fall into two groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in lymph nodes in the neck, chest, underarms, stomach cavity and groin. Its progression is often unpredictable, which is why most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
More than 85% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnoses are B cell lymphomas originating in B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps produce antibodies and keeps the immune system functioning.
Fortunately no cancer was found in Coulier’s bone marrow.
“In Dave Coulier’s case, while his bone marrow remains clear, the spread to multiple lymph node areas shows how aggressive this lymphoma is. This stage requires immediate and thorough treatment,” said Yumeng “Julia” Zhang, MD, of the Malignant Hematology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center.
‘Every Day Matters’
Coulier began chemotherapy immediately. He has completed the first of six rounds that will be given 21 days apart. Treatment is essential to control the spread of the disease.
“Coulier’s decision to begin chemotherapy without delay is critical; with such aggressive cancers, every day matters,” Zhang said.
Treating stage 3 aggressive B cell lymphoma involves a rigorous plan, often starting with a chemotherapy regimen that combines powerful drugs to target cancer cells, according to Zhang. For some patients, new therapies like CAR T-cell therapy or T cell engagers may become an option if standard treatments don’t work.
Coulier is taking it one day at a time.
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster. There (are) days where I feel unbelievable,” Coulier said on “Today.” “Then there’s other days where … I’m just going to lay down and let this be what it’s going to be.”
Coulier played Joey Gladstone on the ABC sitcom “Full House” from 1987 to 1995 and in the “Fuller House” reboot from 2016 to 2020. Today he records episodes of the “Full House Rewind” podcast when he feels well enough.
Coulier lost his mom and sister to breast cancer. Now he wants to use his story to raise awareness and encourage others to be proactive with their health.
“I’m sending so much love to all of you and encouraging you to get a breast exam, colonoscopy, prostate exam. Early detection can mean all the difference in the world for your health,” Coulier shared on X.
B CELL LYMPHOMA
There is no screening test for lymphoma. That’s why it’s so important to watch for signs and symptoms:
- Persistent swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck, underarm or groin
- Unexpected weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Feeling unusually tired
“In fast-growing lymphomas, these symptoms can develop and worsen within weeks, as happened with Coulier. It’s essential for anyone noticing these signs to get them checked right away,” Zhang said.
