Search Results for 'gemcitabine cisplatin'
-
Search Results
-
In reply to: First Scans on Gemcis – Great News
Jane,
There is a post down the line, I think on December 30, 2009 or something like that where I describe my progress. The bottom line is that I’ve been very lucky. The Gemcitabine (Gemzar) and Cisplatin combo have been very effective with my tumors. According to the docs the tumor in my liver is “dramatically” smaller.
Early on, the side effects that I felt with this cocktail were minimal. It was just a couple of days of tough fatigue. I shaved my head preemptively, but it turned out to be unnecessary. I’ve had a full beard the entire time. Now that I’ve had 4 1/2 cycles of this, the side effects are somewhat more pronounced. I’ve had no nausea, but I do have a great deal of bone pain. The docs think that this is a side effect of the Neulasta shots that I give myself after chemo and not the chemo itself, but who knows? The other side effects that I’ve had include increased tumor pain, longer-term fatigue, and some “chemo-brain.” My aunt, a breast cancer survivor, describes chemo-brain as a lot of short term memory loss…..I’m definitely there.
From what I understand, I’m lucky in both my response to the drugs and my overall lack of side effects. Don’t get me wrong, this hasn’t been a picnic for me or my family, but the results have been worthwhile.
Best of luck to you. I don’t know anything about your new treatment but would love to hear about the results.
Keep strong,
-Z
In reply to: First Scans on Gemcis – Great News
Hi, I just saw your message and have some questions. This was in Sept. 09, have you had any tests since? Are you still on Gemzar/Cisplatin? What were the side effects of this combination? I am seeing my onc this Wed. 1/6 and was thinking about nexavar. Anxiously awaiting your response.
Thank you,
Jane638zupton wrote:Today was my first CT after two cycles of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. Prior to the treatment, I had a large liver tumor, some lymph node involvement, and some nodules in and around the head of my pancreas. The only hope that I’d been given was to pray that the chemotherapy controlled the spread, do chemoembolization to beat up the liver tumor, and then do massive, risky surgery including a liver resection and whipple.Well, my surgeon was shocked by the progress that I’d made in two cycles. He said that the pancreatic disease was controlled; there was no further spread; and the liver tumor shrank substantially. The docs couldn’t give me a percentage reduction in size, but said that it was, “conclusive and exceptional.” They also said that if the tumor continued to shrink, the surgery would be much less risky.
I’ll have another cycle of this, please! The docs agreed that we’d stay the course on the gem/cis for now and reevaluate regarding chemoembolization after another cycle. They also told me that they weren’t planning to do any surgery before the New Year. Unless something drastically changes, it will be a great holiday in my household!
This is the first real, positive news that I’ve had since I was diagnosed back in July. I realize that I’ve got a long road ahead, but am celebrating this victory!
-Z
In reply to: what treatments are out there
Hi,sorry to hear your news.With regard to chemo,the preferred regime is gemcitabine given alone or with a platinum drug such as cisplatin.It cannot start too soon after surgery as it will delay healing.Good luck Janet
In reply to: Brother diagnosed
My brother is starting chemo: cisplatin (Platinol) and gemcitabine (Gemzar).
It seems like this is a very common course of tx from what I have been reading.
Also it seems like some ppl have minimal side effects while others feel very “icky” so I guess we dont know what to expect.
He and his wife trust Dr. Bruce Feinberg of Georgia Cancer Specialists very much and this seems to be the best way to go. Day by day, as a recovering alcoholic I have said this a lot but today it means so much more.
Hope you all have a good night tonight (New Years Eve) in whatever situation you are in.In reply to: my dad was diagnosed klatskins tumour
Amr….I am sorry to hear about your Dad and I would like to follow Lainy in welcoming you to our board. And, I agree with Lainy in that you should have another opinion especially, since Klatskin tumor (occurring at the confluence of the right and left hepatic duct) is quite uncommon in your country.
Do you have all medical records on hand? Is it possible for you to forward all to a physician in France?Michel Ducreux, MD, PhD
Institut Gustave Roussy
Villejuif, FranceIn England you might want to contact the following surgeons:
J Peter A Lodge MD FRCS
Professor of Surgery
Clinical Director of Surgery
HPB and Transplant Unit
St James’s University Hospital
Leeds LS9 7TFTel +44 (0) 113 2064890
Fax +44 (0) 113 2448182Prof. Brian Davidson
University Department of Surgery,
The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QGE mail: b.davidson[at]medsch.ucl.ac.uk
Other members may want to forward additional physicians names to you.
If you would like to contact a physician in the U.S. please, let us know.
Capcitabine500/ Eluxatin = Gemzar/Oxiliplatin has been used frequently by members on this board and some with impressive results. However, I would also like to inform you about the following: the largest (multinational) study ever had been conducted in England with a combination of Capcitabine and Cisplatin. (Gemzar/Cisplatin.)
Gemcitabine with or without cisplatin in patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (ABC): Results of a multicenter, randomized phase III trial (the UK ABC-02 trial).
Author(s):
J. W. Valle, H. S. Wasan, D. D. Palmer, D. Cunningham, D. A. Anthoney, A. Maraveyas, S. K. Hughes, M. Roughton, J. A. Bridgewater; Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Imperial College Healthcare Trust, London, United Kingdom; University of Birmingham , Birmingham, United Kingdom; Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom; St. James’ University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom; Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, United Kingdom; University College London, London, United Kingdom
Abstract:“Background: There is no established standard chemotherapy for pts with inoperable ABC. We previously reported an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in a randomised phase II trial of 86 pts (ABC-01) using gemcitabine/cisplatin (GemCis) vs. gemcitabine (Gem) (Valle ASCO-GI 2006, abstr. 98). This study was extended into ABC-02, a phase III trial, to recruit a further 314 pts with overall survival (OS) as the primary end-point. Methods: Consenting pts with histologically/cytologically-confirmed ABC, aged ≥18 years, ECOG performance status 0 – 2, and adequate haematological, hepatic and renal function were randomised to receive either Cis (25 mg/m2) followed by Gem (1000 mg/m2 D1, 8 q21d) for 8 cycles, or Gem alone (1000 mg/m2 on D1, 8, 15 q28d) for 6 cycles, stratified by extent of disease, site of primary tumour, ECOG score and centre. The trial had an 80% power to detect an OS hazard ratio of 0.73. Results: From May 2005 to October 2008, 324 pts were randomised to ABC- 02 from 34 UK centres. We report the pre-planned combined analysis of ABC-01 and ABC-02 based on 410 pts (GemCis=206/Gem=204). Patient characteristics: median age 64 yrs (range 23-85); male (47%); metastatic disease (75%), locally advanced (25%); gallbladder (36%), bile duct (59%), ampulla (5%); and ECOG 0-1 (87%), 2 (12%). With a median follow-up of 6.1 months and 263 deaths, the median OS was greater with GemCis than Gem, 11.7 vs. 8.2 months (log rank p=0.002), with hazard ratio 0.68 (95%-CI 0.53, 0.86). The median PFS was greater with GemCis than Gem, 8.5 vs. 6.5 months (log rank p=0.003), with hazard ratio 0.70 (95%-CI 0.56, 0.88).Toxicity was similar between the arms (by week 12, 57% had a grade 3/4 toxicity in each arm), though there was a slight excess of neutropenia using GemCis. Conclusions: This is the largest ever study in ABC and demonstrates a clear survival advantage for GemCis without added clinically significant toxicity, setting a new international standard of care.”
I hope this helped and please, continue to put out your questions because the members on this board are extremely helpful and supportive.
All my best wishes,
MarionIn reply to: Introduction
Lulu….I would like to echo ajcarman and Lainy in welcoming you to our site. The Gemcitabin/Cisplatin study was the largest multinational bile duct cancer/ Cholangiocarcinoma study ever conducted. You may read up on the abstract and on postings from other members by using the “search function” on top of the page. Simply, type in gemcitabine cisplatin (you don’t need an author) or you may use the “google” function, top, right hand side. I am hoping for others to come forward and share some of their personal information with you although, historically, this time of the year, our board seems to slow down a bit. Nevertheless, the information hidden in our postings is numerous and informative and it may bridge you over until you receive some responses from our members. Positive biopsies for this tumor are not always obtained in fact, I believe that in most instances they are negative. In such a case all other symptoms will be evaluated and a diagnoses is made based on those values as it was handled in your case. I do agree with Lainy in that I would pursue at least another medical opinion. In that case you might want to make sure to have copies of all reports including, CT scans, MRI’s, blood test, doctor’s reports, etc. in order to forward those to physicians familiar with this cancer. Hang in there Lulu and continue to put out your questions. And yes, miracles do happen. We have seen it on this board.
Best wishes coming your way,
MarionWe met today with Dr El-Rayes, oncologist at WCI. We feel much better about our options after talking to him. We’re definitely going with WCI over Dekalb Medical Center (Decatur GA).
The tumor board at WCI is going to meet on December 8th to discuss the next steps. Although he’s not an oncology surgeon, he believe the surgeon will determine that the tumor is not resectable at this time.
However the options to shrink it are:
1) Chemo (Gemcitabine/Cisplatin)
2) Chemoembolism
3) RadioembollismWe feel better about the methods and procedures at WCI than we were at Dekalb Medical Center; although I am sure DMC is a fine medical facility. However my wife and I feel that WCI offers more options.
We also have contacted M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. However because WCI is 5 miles from where we live and is also a National Cancer Center, and we had a good meeting with Dr El-Rayes, we’re going to go with them in the interest of time.
In reply to: Our Sister
Its been awhile so I will update you all on Kathy. She is starting her second week of radiation today. In addition she started chemo taking xeloda 1000mg 2x a day last friday. We have been trained and giving her IV hydration through her port-a-cath 3x a week. First encouraging sign we had is that her stent isn’t leaking so terrible as it was before. The bandages aren’t near as saturated as they were before. She is very fatigued, and has no appetite. She is very dependent and needs someone with her 24/7. So far she is faring OK. Radiation ends the Tues before Thanksgiving. The chemo of choice is gemcitabine and cisplatin but the Dr didn’t want to do it during radiation. We’ll see what happens. Keep Kathy in your prayers. She’s giving it everything she’s got – she’s got more courage than one would ever know. I hate this rollercoaster.
Topic: Gemcitabine-Cisplatin
Today was my first CT after two cycles of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. Prior to the treatment, I had a large liver tumor, some lymph node involvement, and some nodules in and around the head of my pancreas. The only hope that I’d been given was to pray that the chemotherapy controlled the spread, do chemoembolization to beat up the liver tumor, and then do massive, risky surgery including a liver resection and whipple.
Well, my surgeon was shocked by the progress that I’d made in two cycles. He said that the pancreatic disease was controlled; there was no further spread; and the liver tumor shrank substantially. The docs couldn’t give me a percentage reduction in size, but said that it was, “conclusive and exceptional.” They also said that if the tumor continued to shrink, the surgery would be much less risky.
I’ll have another cycle of this, please! The docs agreed that we’d stay the course on the gem/cis for now and reevaluate regarding chemoembolization after another cycle. They also told me that they weren’t planning to do any surgery before the New Year. Unless something drastically changes, it will be a great holiday in my household!
This is the first real, positive news that I’ve had since I was diagnosed back in July. I realize that I’ve got a long road ahead, but am celebrating this victory!
-Z
Topic: CC, Gallbladder or BLT?
Hi Everyone. I may be at the wrong place so please let me know if I am…My mom was diagnosed in late 9/09. Initially, the oncologist said Stage IV gallbladder cancer, then mentioned cholangiocarcinoma. I tried to clarify and he said, “we don’t really know which one it is, but we know it’s in the gallbladder.” He went on to say they’re all grouped as biliary tree cancers. My mom is currently being treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin (2 wks on/1 wk off) with no option for radiation or surgery. Like so many others, she was so active up until the month leading to her dx — golfing, walking, out constantly — and we are just so devastated. I may be trying to squeeze into the cc dx because the statistics are slightly better or because there is so much more information here than on Gallbladder msg boards, but has anyone had similar experiences? I simply want to get the most and best information to help my mom in any way I can. Thanks and God Bless! Kathleen
In reply to: Introduction – Sharing my Journey
violarob wrote:Dear Houston Mom:I was prescribed exactly the same regimen last year (gemcitabine + cisplatin) with Tarceva pill on the side. I got very good results from that combination, with several months of shrinkage and stabilization. My side-effects from Tarceva were minimal. The tumors were then killed with RF ablation. I would say give the Tarceva a try. You can always stop taking it if the side-effects get too hairy.
You mention that your new tumor is 2 cm in diameter. Have your docs mentioned radiofrequency ablation as an option? That is the perfect size tumor for RF ablation. However, they do get nervous if the tumor is too close to a major blood vessel or other sensitive structure.
I also live in Houston, and receive my care at MD Anderson. I wish you the best of luck!
Violarob in Texas
Dear Violarob,
I have been on the Tarceva for twelve days now. My side effects are minimal, and I am very thankful. Probably the worst thing has been the severely dry skin; I also have a skin rash I think I received from the sun. I do notice that I am more tired, so I started taking the medication at night. Amazingly, I have been able to lay on my right side for the first time in months!
I had my surgery at Methodist and began my chemo regimen w/ them; however, my MD Anderson doc was the one who recommended and tested me for Tarceva. He also mentioned RF ablation as a possibility if they can “arrest” the cancer for 4-6 months. I
In reply to: Introduction – Sharing my Journey
Dear Houston Mom:
I was prescribed exactly the same regimen last year (gemcitabine + cisplatin) with Tarceva pill on the side. I got very good results from that combination, with several months of shrinkage and stabilization. My side-effects from Tarceva were minimal. The tumors were then killed with RF ablation. I would say give the Tarceva a try. You can always stop taking it if the side-effects get too hairy.
You mention that your new tumor is 2 cm in diameter. Have your docs mentioned radiofrequency ablation as an option? That is the perfect size tumor for RF ablation. However, they do get nervous if the tumor is too close to a major blood vessel or other sensitive structure.
I also live in Houston, and receive my care at MD Anderson. I wish you the best of luck!
Violarob in Texas
In reply to: Introductions
Hi Zupton,
I am sorry about your diagnosis. My wife’s cholangiocarcinoma was found when it metasticised and was 8cm in the liver. Since she originally had cancer of unknown primary, we couldn’t take many actions. Since yours is defined, the Mayo has had very good luck with transplants for pancreatic patients. Maybe they can remove the cancer with a whipple and transplant your liver. http://www.mayoclinic.org/bile-duct-cancer/
My wife had SirSpheres implanted, which didnt work and was possibly done too late,that could be another option.
From the chemo standpoint, there are significant POSITIVE results coming out the treatment of some nasty cancers (triple neg breast cancer) with PARP inhibitors and trials will be done for pancreatic cancer. check out http://www.parp-inhibitors.com/parpinhibitors.htmlSince time is important and a given drug(s) only work for a fraction of the people, look into personalized testing of your tissue to see what wont work, 8 weeks is too long to see if you fit in the 15-30% that a drug works.
It is a tough battle, I wish you the best of luck. Contact me via email if you need anything including the list of resources that I have developed.
Regards,
Murray
zupton wrote:I’ve just discovered this site, the discussion boards and the struggles and hope that are contained here. Here is my story as an introduction:I am a 35 year-old man, and I was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in early July, 2009. At that time, there was a 12cm, poorly-differentiated tumor in my liver and some involvement in the surrounding lymph nodes.
I am lucky to live in the Washington, D.C. area (at least with respect to this) and am being treated by the doctors at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute. The surgeon there advocated for aggressive liver resection followed by chemotherapy. This was the opposite of what my other doctors had suggested. However, after much soul-searching, my family and I thought that the NIH route would be the best, so I signed up.
Unfortunately, I also have an intestinal disease called Crohn’s disease. I had two previous abdominal surgeries that left me with a lot of scarring on the inside. Also, there was some damage to my remaining, non-cancerous liver that was done by the Crohn’s drugs. Finally, when they got inside to do the surgery, it looked like there was some cancer in the distal bile duct near my pancreas. After all of that, the surgeons decided to sew me up without removing or resecting anything.
So, now I’m finishing up my first course of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. I’m in the “one week off” part of the 21 day cycle. I seem to be tolerating that well, with only a bit of fatigue. The hope is that some combination of this treatment and chemoembolization will make surgery a better option. However, it looks like the surgery that could prolong my life is both a radical liver resection and a whipple procedure. To say the least, that is terrifying.
I look forward to continuing to read the information that is here. Thank you all for everything that is already done, and I look forward to contributing some tidbits of information so that others may be helped.
In reply to: What dosage did you take? Gemzar / Cisplatin
