Legislation for Combinatorial Therapy >> Melanoma ..Jim Breitfeller

Congressman Bilbray, and Congresswomen Maloney and DeLaura are submitting legislation today that, if passed, will provide extended patent protection for investigational drugs that are tested in combination. This will provide a major financial incentive for industry to do the kinds of studies they now find difficult but which offer the best hope for melanoma patients. This legislation came out of meetings MRF had with Congressman Bilbray, whose daughter has Stage III melanoma. We proposed the idea to the Congressman and provided a background document showing how similar action in pediatrics and some infectious diseases has resulted in tremendous progress in drug development. Most doctors agree that real advances in effective treatments will only come through combining two or more drugs together. If these drugs are already approved, doing studies like this are relatively easy. If they are not yet approved--still in clinical trials--they are very difficult. Companies worry that any side effects that arise from a combination study will "taint" the data of their drug and hurt its chances of approval. And they are reluctant to collaborate with other companies on these studies. This legislation will add a "carrot" to the mix and will help accelerate these important studies.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” ~Charles Darwin~ Take Care, Jimmy B

You and Your Doctor—Tackling Your Cancer Together..Melanoma..Jim Breitfeller

You and Your Doctor—Tackling Your Cancer Together

 Talking with your doctor openly about your diagnosis and treatment—and keeping informed every step of the way—will help you work with your doctor to make the best possible decisions about your treatment.

 Educate yourself


 Visit websites designed to educate and assist patients with your type of cancer.

 Ask your doctor where you can learn more about your cancer, its treatment and any ongoing research.

Be informed when you talk to your doctor and treatment team.

Ask questions and be proactive.

It’s your health—and your life!

Talk openly with your doctor Molecular testing for cancer-related genes may not be right for everyone, but by staying informed and asking about such testing, you can be sure that every avenue for treating your cancer has been explored. And for you, that may make the difference between treatment that is effective, or not.


Here are some questions you might ask your doctor:

Are there gene mutations identified for my type of cancer?
 Should my tumor be tested for gene mutations?
What can molecular testing tell me about my cancer?
What can molecular testing tell me about my prognosis?
How might molecular testing affect my treatment plan?
How can I get my tumor or biopsy tested?

 “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

~Charles Darwin~

Take Care,
Jimmy B