Search Results for 'gemcitabine cisplatin'

hi, in my dad’s case the tumor had spread from the bile duct into the liver and was actually covering about 60% of the liver. During the first op the surgeon gave him RFA (Radio frequency ablation) which did kill off alot of the cancer cells however the reason why the first surgeon did not remove it was because he said that it was too dangerous as it was too near to the vena cava.

Prof Lodge operates with aggressively on these tumors. We consulted surgeons in the US (Sloan Kettering and Mayo Rochester) nobody was prepared to operate. We we referred to Prof Lodge through Prof Williams at the Cromwell Hospital. Prof Lodge told my Dad that the tumor peeled away quite easily from the artery.

My Dad had a CT scan this week – the radiologist had some concerns about enlarged lymph nodes, however they think that it is due to infection (my Dad keeps getting raised temps) – (if anyone else out there has any info that may help on this then please reply). Prof Lodge said that my Dad will not need chemo, he was quite dismissive of it also. Just before the second op my Dad was randomised onto a trial at Hammersmith to recieve a course of gemcitabine and cisplatin, we were told that the best that chemo could do is to ‘extend life.’ I am concerned that maybe my Dad should be seeing an oncologist – reading some of the posts on this site and others it would appear that some patients are held stable on chemo for years and years.. could anyone out there advise me if they have any info on some of the more promising drugs available? – i know that we are limited in the UK as to the standard of chemo drugs available however we can get hold of promising drugs privately.

Patricia, I would advise you to seek second opinions if you can – keep on challenging and questioning the drs and get informed.

All the best to you and your husband at what is a very difficult time.

Jules