Baltimore Man Battles Rare Cancer Syndrome With Hopkins Team

Jeffrey Ellin, 46, has been diagnosed with multiple cancers due to BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, a rare genetic condition.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Jeffrey Ellin, a 46-year-old Baltimore resident, was diagnosed with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome in 2020 after a routine mole removal. This rare genetic condition increases his lifetime risk of developing cancerous and noncancerous tumors. Ellin has since been treated at Johns Hopkins, where he has been diagnosed with multiple melanomas and kidney cancer. Despite his health challenges, Ellin remains dedicated to his passion for running and has continued to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon.

Why it matters

BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome is an extremely rare condition, and Ellin's case provides valuable insights for the medical community on how to best manage and treat patients with this disorder. Ellin's proactive approach to his care and his willingness to participate in clinical trials also contribute to advancing research on this little-understood syndrome.

The details

In 2020, Ellin had a mole removed that was found to be a BAPoma, a benign skin tumor associated with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome. Since then, Ellin has been under the care of a team of specialists at Johns Hopkins, including dermatologist Meg Gerstenblith. He has been diagnosed with five early-stage melanomas and stage 4 kidney cancer, which was treated until 2024. Ellin also faces a high risk of developing mesothelioma and has undergone regular scans at the NIH Clinical Center. Despite his health challenges, Ellin has remained dedicated to his passion for running and has continued to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon.

  • In February 2020, Ellin had a mole removed that was found to be a BAPoma.
  • Since 2020, Ellin has been diagnosed with five early-stage melanomas at Johns Hopkins.
  • In 2023, Ellin was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer, which was treated until mid-2024.
  • Ellin plans to run the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon after recovering from a series of planned operations at the NIH.

The players

Jeffrey Ellin

A 46-year-old Baltimore resident and avid long-distance runner who was diagnosed with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome in 2020.

Meg Gerstenblith, M.D.

A Johns Hopkins dermatologist who became the first member of Ellin's care team.

Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine

The department that formally diagnosed Ellin with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome after his initial mole removal.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center

The facility where Ellin has undergone regular PET, MRI, and CT scans to monitor his high risk of developing mesothelioma and kidney cancer.

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What they’re saying

“Because of Jeffrey's condition, melanoma could appear on any part of his body, making routine skin checks essential.”

— Meg Gerstenblith, M.D., Johns Hopkins dermatologist

“The way I ended up viewing it was, I can't control my body, but I can control my mind. I educated myself as much as I could.”

— Jeffrey Ellin

“Dr. Gerstenblith and my Hopkins providers have been great to work with. They're always willing to teach themselves something new if it will help treat me. They're truly interested in my well-being.”

— Jeffrey Ellin

What’s next

Ellin plans to run the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon after recovering from a series of planned operations at the NIH to address his mesothelioma diagnosis.

The takeaway

Ellin's case highlights the importance of proactive medical care and patient engagement in managing rare genetic disorders like BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome. His dedication to staying informed and participating in his own treatment has been instrumental in advancing research and care for this little-understood condition.