Xeloda & Oxaliplatin w/Tarceva possible addition???

Discussion Board Forums Chemotherapy & More Xeloda & Oxaliplatin w/Tarceva possible addition???

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  • #57395
    tiff1496
    Member

    I’m on Tarceva. From what I understand, it isn’t really a chemo drug. Dr. Javle told me they don’t really know how it works, but it could help. I have been on it almost 4 months. No side effects other than a face rash. I take it while on chemo too. It was hard to get our insurance to pay for it. We were lucky someone donated us some while we were fighting insurance because its almost $5000.00 for 30 pills! OUCH!

    #57394
    marions
    Moderator

    Sally….great job. I would just like to add that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) basically is a one of several proteins, which can multiply and become cancerous. Tarceva attacks this process. Avastin, (Bevacizumab,)monoclonal antibody, and sorafenib (Nexavar,) cetuximab (Erbitux) also hinder the prolifirtation of tumor cells. It is also called “Targeted Therapy.”
    Hugs and love,
    Marion

    #57393
    sallypa
    Member

    hi,
    my sister is just starting the xeloda-oxiliplatin regimen. we went to fox chase cancer centers last week and were told about tarceva. it is something that from what i was told would not be used while she was on chemotherapy. the oncologist told us to have her complete the xeloda-oxi regimen and than come back and they will see where she is and will discuss tarceva. i dont know what this all means but here is more of what the dr told us. tarceva is a protein blocker. if the tumor is found to have the certain type of protein that tarceva works on than it is helpful in keeping tumors from growing. there is a test called a EGFR test that can be done on a previous tumor that was removed. the results of this test will tell if tarceva is a viable option. we were told that this test usually isnt done in most hospitals and you will have to discuss this with your dr. i hope some of this helps.

    #57392
    marions
    Moderator

    appreciate….I am hoping for others to chime in real soon and share their experience with you. In the meantime though I am including two links to previous discussions:
    http://cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=1698
    http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=2801
    Good luck and please, keep us posted.
    Hugs and love,
    Marion

    #6315
    appreciatehelp
    Spectator

    Husband is currently on Xeloda and Oxaliplatin, 21 day regimen, 2nd cycle. Oncologist may add Tarceva. Imput specifically realted to this chemo cocktail with all three mentioned is appreciated; especially the new one…Tarceva. Thx

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