Availability of anti-CTLA-4 Blockage Therapy Melanoma ..Jim Breitfeller

by patty luker: 9-13-09

There seems to be a trial Ipilimumab Protocol 4 each at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Jedd Wolchok 646-888-2395

One being done in California towards NSCL or SCLC lung cancers

2 at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center

Thanks Patty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!===================================================

There is a waiting line at Sloan Kettering.a Consult:

"Sloan Kettering was such a pleasant experience. I felt very comfortable there. As weird as it sounds I felt like I was booking into a hotel…waterfalls, concierge, coffee/snacks, and comfy couches and chairs. The staff was so friendly, helpful and comforting. Everything was so organized. I mean it was sad as well because despite the beautiful environment the people looked so tired and sick. I felt for them. But I have to say most of them had a smile on their face and were in good spirits…it was inspiring.
OK here goes...
Dr. ----- explained all treatment options, both those that Sloan doesn't administer and those that they do.

1- Interferon (not done at Sloan)

He spoke about interferon explaining that it is the only approved drug for Melanoma. But he said that Sloan no longer administers Interferon. Their school of thought is that Interferon is only found to be effective for short term (5-7 years) and doesn't show a difference in the long term for patients. So....given this and the intense side effects (for an entire year) Sloan encourages other treatments.
However, he did say that it seems to be more effective for younger patients. And he did have two younger patients in their 20's get interferon which seemed to work well. But he said that he would only suggest 1 month and not the full year (It shown to have the same results with a hell of a lot less side effects).
-or-

2- Clinical trial - CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody
It's also an immune therapy treatment that is believed to contribute to the body's immune reaction, thus helping it kill cancer cells. It is given as an IV but half of the people in the clinical trial will be given a placebo (saline aka nothing...no treatment!). Also, the results of the study's effectiveness won’t be available till next year.
Other clinical trials were mentioned but there is a long waiting list and he said the CTLA-4 trial would be the most appropriate for my situation.

3- Observation (every 3 months) + CT Scans (every 6 months) – My follow up will be at Sloan.

Source:Li

Jimmy B