Dr.Rosenberg, Friday, January 09, 2009
We’ve been communicating off and on since 2006 through your research staff on my Melanoma situation. I want to personally thank you and you staff for all the knowledge that you have generated over years and have shared with me and others. I been trying to follow your research through abstracts and online papers. Thank you for publishing your results. They are a Godsend to the patients and researchers alike.
Now, Let me get back to my situation. I am under the care of your friend and colleague, Dr, John Kirkwood. As you might know , I did a combo regiment but not like the
Tumor Regression and Autoimmunity in Patients Treated With
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte–Associated Antigen 4 Blockade and
Interleukin 2: A Phase I/II Study
See, I only did one course of CTLA-4 and then I jumped to high dose interlukin-2 for three courses but on the forth course, I has a mild heart attack and the stopped the treatment.
On September 6th, I had another CT scan and MRI for the next trial which was Anti-CTLA-4. On September 13 I had my first infusion. On October 8, 2006 My wife noticed two new growths on my back. It was confirmed on October 11th it was new tumors.
Dr. John Kirkwood has decided that IL-2 Interleukin 2 would be next course of action. I have completed another round of tests (CT scan, Pulmonary Function, and a Nuclear Stress Test). The CT scans shows 40+ nodules in my lungs ranging from 15mm to less than 5mm.
I am slated to be High dosage IL-2 on November 1st 2006.
I am presently washed out an IL-2 clinical trial that started in November 1, 2006. On the fourth cycle I had a heart attack and the doctors determined to abort the IL-2 on February 2, 2007. On August 23 2007 there was no change to the tumors in my back or lungs but also no growth. In October 24 2007 I got the word that the tumors and the lung nodules were shrinking. In April 14, 2008, the 40 + nodules in my lungs decrease to 2. In July 2008, the nodules in my lungs were undetectable and the ones on my back were all but one gone. Presently, CT and MRI
In November 2008 show no signs cancerous activity.
I am stabilized for the time being.
The Melanoma type that I have is nodular. Dr. Kirkwood has taken one of the tumors and stored it cryogenically.
Now here comes the thousand dollar question.
With your expert knowledge, would molecular profiling or mapping of the tumor aid in your research? If so, Please contact me and/or Dr. Kirkwood.
See, as a researcher myself for Eastman Kodak Research Labs in the field of “Surface Science” I believe there is some value in what made my tumor tic. Since we know that the CTLA-4 -IL-2 worked for me, it may be specific to Nodular Melanoma. And if that is the case, when people get diagnosed, they may a have one line of defense lined up. So please, let me know what you think.
Thank for you time and again, thank you for all the great research you are doing on the behalf of the Melanoma Patient. We surely appreciate it.
Sincerely,
James M.Breitfeller
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