We were back @ NUH on Wednesday to meet with Dr Goh.
He had suggested another clinical trial which Jo is eligible for and we have decided to take this up. This trial in essence is similar to the current Avastin drug that Jo has been taking on the last 2 occasions, except...much more potent. The details spelt out below:
Clinical Trial Details
The trial will begin probably on Monday, 28 May 2007.
This trial is a targeted therapy developed through better understanding of the differences between cancer cells and normal cells. One such difference is the high blood vessel development of the cancer, and this is caused by production of a class of molecules called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and PDGF (platelet derived growth factor). The trial drug targets these receptors and can interrupt the process of blood vessel production in the cancer.
The purpose of this trial is to determine the dose of this trial drug that is suitable for use in further studies in specific cancers, its drug levels and the safety profile of this drug at different dose levels.
Treatment Plan
This is divided into 2 parts, part 1 & part 2. The drug is administered in liquid form and taken at night. Each treatment cycle is 21 days. Dosing is continuous and there is no break in between cycles, unless side effects warrant stopping treatment.
Blood Tests Required
Jo will have to go through the "vampire" treatment again, as with most clinical trials, there will be lotsa blood "donation."
2 days before the 1st cycle begins: 0 (pre-dose), 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours. 4ml of blood (ie. 1 teaspoon)
Day 1 of cycle 1: 0 (pre-dose), 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 hours. 4ml of blood per sample.
Day 15 of cycle 1: 0 (pre-dose), 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 hours. 4ml of blood (ie. 1 teaspoon)
At cycle 3, a 4ml of blood sample will be collected and then at every 2 cycles thereafter.
As for cycle 2, it is somewhat similar to the above format...so you get the picture now eh?
Scans, Scans, Scans...
There will be a number of routine CT and MRI scans throughout. Even if Jo proceeds after Cycle 2, she will have to take a CT Scan every 6 weeks for 1 year.
Side Effects/Risks of the Trial
Very Common - Protein in the Urine, Dryness in the mouth, Tiredness, Muscle and bone pain, skin rash, raised blood pressure
Common - Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Less Common - Lower blood cell count, bleeding, diarrhoea
He had suggested another clinical trial which Jo is eligible for and we have decided to take this up. This trial in essence is similar to the current Avastin drug that Jo has been taking on the last 2 occasions, except...much more potent. The details spelt out below:
Clinical Trial Details
The trial will begin probably on Monday, 28 May 2007.
This trial is a targeted therapy developed through better understanding of the differences between cancer cells and normal cells. One such difference is the high blood vessel development of the cancer, and this is caused by production of a class of molecules called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and PDGF (platelet derived growth factor). The trial drug targets these receptors and can interrupt the process of blood vessel production in the cancer.
The purpose of this trial is to determine the dose of this trial drug that is suitable for use in further studies in specific cancers, its drug levels and the safety profile of this drug at different dose levels.
Treatment Plan
This is divided into 2 parts, part 1 & part 2. The drug is administered in liquid form and taken at night. Each treatment cycle is 21 days. Dosing is continuous and there is no break in between cycles, unless side effects warrant stopping treatment.
Blood Tests Required
Jo will have to go through the "vampire" treatment again, as with most clinical trials, there will be lotsa blood "donation."
2 days before the 1st cycle begins: 0 (pre-dose), 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours. 4ml of blood (ie. 1 teaspoon)
Day 1 of cycle 1: 0 (pre-dose), 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 hours. 4ml of blood per sample.
Day 15 of cycle 1: 0 (pre-dose), 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 hours. 4ml of blood (ie. 1 teaspoon)
At cycle 3, a 4ml of blood sample will be collected and then at every 2 cycles thereafter.
As for cycle 2, it is somewhat similar to the above format...so you get the picture now eh?
Scans, Scans, Scans...
There will be a number of routine CT and MRI scans throughout. Even if Jo proceeds after Cycle 2, she will have to take a CT Scan every 6 weeks for 1 year.
Side Effects/Risks of the Trial
Very Common - Protein in the Urine, Dryness in the mouth, Tiredness, Muscle and bone pain, skin rash, raised blood pressure
Common - Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Less Common - Lower blood cell count, bleeding, diarrhoea
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