Alex Trebek expects to mark 2-year cancer survival in 2021

FILE - In this April 30, 2017, file photo, Alex Trebek speaks at the 44th annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, Calif. Trebek says he's already rehearsed what he's going to say to the audience on his final show. Trebek, host of the popular game show since 1984, announced last March that he'd been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer but will continue his job while still able. In an interview on ABC-TV broadcast Thursday, Trebek said he'll ask the director to leave him 30 seconds at the end of his last taping. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - In this April 30, 2017, file photo, Alex Trebek speaks at the 44th annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, Calif. Trebek says he's already rehearsed what he's going to say to the audience on his final show. Trebek, host of the popular game show since 1984, announced last March that he'd been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer but will continue his job while still able. In an interview on ABC-TV broadcast Thursday, Trebek said he'll ask the director to leave him 30 seconds at the end of his last taping. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Alex Trebek says he's responding exceptionally well to treatment for pancreatic cancer and expects to mark his two-year survival next February.

His doctor has said he's counting on that milestone, the "Jeopardy!" host said, "so I expect to be around 'cause he said I will be around. And I expect to be hosting the show if I am around."

Tests evaluating his progress show "I'm on the right track," Trebek told ABC News' "Good Morning America" in an interview that was conducted last week at his home and aired Monday. Trebek turns 80 on Wednesday.

After interviewer T.J. Holmes told Trebek he looked and sounded great, the TV host drolly replied: "Here I am, folks. Eat me up."

The experimental immunotherapy treatment Trebek is receiving is the same used by former Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada in his fight against pancreatic cancer, "Good Morning America" said. In June, the 80-year-old Reid said his disease is in remission.

On Friday, Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis lost his six-month battle with the disease at age 80.

Trebek said he's had difficult days, calling his wife, Jean, a "saint" for her unwavering support as he's faced moments of sadness and depression.

His memoir, "The Answer Is ... Reflections On My Life, " will be published Tuesday. Its proceeds will go to charity, Trebek said.

He has been host of "Jeopardy!" since 1984. The quiz show, which went into reruns early because of the coronavirus, plans to resume taping for its September return in a few weeks if state and local government restrictions aimed at controlling the virus' spread allow.

Upcoming Events