IL-2 be or IL not-2 be, that is the question
We saw Dr Savage again this morning and the results of the x-ray were that, to him, it looked "broadly the same" as the last one. He thought the radiologists might think some of the spots have got bigger, but there's no cause for alarm or immediate action. Phew.
Meanwhile, we went back over the "Which treatments and when?" questions. We are all agreed that the treatments will be:
1. immunotherapy (interleukin-2 or triple therapy ie. mix of interleukin, interferon and 5FU)
2. sorafanib/ sunitinib
3. experimental treatments such as vaccines / stem cell transplant.
The big question is which type of immunotherapy and when.
Timing. There is apparently a slight link between doing the treatment earlier and success rates, but the link is not that strong, because the treatment is aimed at the immune system not the cancer directly. Dr Savage is reluctant to start treatment too early and spoil the "jet set" lifestyle Quent is enjoying currently.
Type. Triple in this country or interleukin -2 in the USA. The US treatment is further away, more toxic and a lot more expensive, so we'd have to feel pretty convinced of the upside to go ahead. They claim cure rates of 5%-10%. When we ask about the response rates of the triple, in Europe, Dr Savage says it is difficult to give firm statistics as the tests are not randomised, long term monitoring is not great etc. They do, however, know that for "a handful of patients" the response is long term.
The big question is.. Is the USA treatment actually better, or are the USA just more bullish about their results? They might be more bullish because:
a) they don't have the British reserve / modesty
b) all health over there is private and hence they have commercial interest in being upbeat
The question is crucial but nearly impossible to answer. We would hate to put Quent through extra tough, highly expensive treatment, thousands of miles from home purely because good salesmen win out over cautious researchers. But we want the very best chance for Quent and the USA is putting out some very tempting statistics.
Dr Savage is going to find out from colleagues at the National Institute of Cancer in the USA, whether Quentin is a good candidate for IL-2, where might be the best place to go for the treatment and how much it might cost. He then suggests we go over and take a look, in order to make our decision.
Have a lovely weekend. This afternoon, Oakley is off to stay with his girlfriend and her family in Guildford (I kid you not), so that Quent and I can have some quality time together in a hotel in Chichester. Once Quent has run a scout gig tonight, that is. Hmm.
Meanwhile, we went back over the "Which treatments and when?" questions. We are all agreed that the treatments will be:
1. immunotherapy (interleukin-2 or triple therapy ie. mix of interleukin, interferon and 5FU)
2. sorafanib/ sunitinib
3. experimental treatments such as vaccines / stem cell transplant.
The big question is which type of immunotherapy and when.
Timing. There is apparently a slight link between doing the treatment earlier and success rates, but the link is not that strong, because the treatment is aimed at the immune system not the cancer directly. Dr Savage is reluctant to start treatment too early and spoil the "jet set" lifestyle Quent is enjoying currently.
Type. Triple in this country or interleukin -2 in the USA. The US treatment is further away, more toxic and a lot more expensive, so we'd have to feel pretty convinced of the upside to go ahead. They claim cure rates of 5%-10%. When we ask about the response rates of the triple, in Europe, Dr Savage says it is difficult to give firm statistics as the tests are not randomised, long term monitoring is not great etc. They do, however, know that for "a handful of patients" the response is long term.
The big question is.. Is the USA treatment actually better, or are the USA just more bullish about their results? They might be more bullish because:
a) they don't have the British reserve / modesty
b) all health over there is private and hence they have commercial interest in being upbeat
The question is crucial but nearly impossible to answer. We would hate to put Quent through extra tough, highly expensive treatment, thousands of miles from home purely because good salesmen win out over cautious researchers. But we want the very best chance for Quent and the USA is putting out some very tempting statistics.
Dr Savage is going to find out from colleagues at the National Institute of Cancer in the USA, whether Quentin is a good candidate for IL-2, where might be the best place to go for the treatment and how much it might cost. He then suggests we go over and take a look, in order to make our decision.
Have a lovely weekend. This afternoon, Oakley is off to stay with his girlfriend and her family in Guildford (I kid you not), so that Quent and I can have some quality time together in a hotel in Chichester. Once Quent has run a scout gig tonight, that is. Hmm.
posted by Helen at 4/20/2007 12:05:00 pm
4 Comments:
H,
I can't believe Oakley is two timing my daughter!!!
Ellie is convinced he's the man(boy) for her and now this bombshell, he's off to Guildford for a dirty weekend and not a phone call or text to Ellie....she's heartbroken and very upset, I've told her that the man of her dreams will return and it's probably just an innocent affair!!!
Her mother(Sarah) has insisted on staking out Guildford all weekend, which to be honest is great as I get to watch Skysports!!
As a favour to me, could you get Oaks to have a few more weekends away, in around the Cup final weekend and perhaps on the 23rd of May(midweek I know) but I'm hoping Liverpool will be in the Champions League Final in Athens and with Sarah and Ellie staking out Oaks wherever he is it would make life so much easier.
Love to all
Les
xxx
PS. By the way gald to hear those damm spots haven't progressed!!
Good to hear things are 'no worse'. I wa a bit worried after Q's last couple fo days off and speaking to you on the way to the hospital this morning. Hope the Gig went well tonight (Friday) and hope you have a fantanstic w/e/ away.
Jez
Again I send you information with the hope that it answers some question and corrects your misimpressions about IL-2 treatment. Here is a link that will explain the IL-2 treatment in detail. Pay special attention to the IL-2 therapy section. PS: IL-2 is no longer typically administered in the intenstive care ward.
http://cancerguide.org/rcc_il2.html
One v. funny, one touching and one very informative comment on our return from
Particular thanks to the person who sent the article about IL-2. It was very useful. I have read the article and associated links and it's reassured me greatly. We are planning to go to the USA soon to investigate further, so we certainly haven't ruled out IL-2. Thanks for your concern to ensure we are fully educated.
I don't usually respond to blog comments, though we love them all, but medical comments from helpful people we don't even know, require a special thanks!
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