Ladies and Gents, I started the Her2 vaccine trial

[Margerie]

Just got back late last night. This is University of Washington's Phase 1 trial of their DNA plasmid-based Her2 vaccine.

For anyone that is interested- eligibility criteria include her2+, completed therapy (chemo, rads, major surgery) and Stage IIIA-IV NED. Hormone therapy, herceptin and bisphosphonate therapy are allowed concurrently.

You go a total of 7 times over a 15 month period, tests, vaccinations (3), followup.

Anyway, they treated me very well. The first day is the longest and I had my own room with hospital bed, TV and a bun warmer- well it was a heating pad on the bed and it felt great.

Patricia Fintak is the coordinator and she can be contacted at (206) 543-6620 or paf3@u.washington.edu

Here is a link to this study overview- they are starting other trials soon
http://depts.washington.edu/tumorvac/trials.php?t=109

And a special someone on this board was nice enough to meet me for lunch and give me a tour of Seattle. It was lovely! Thank you Stephanie!

I wanted to "pay it forward" so to speak for all the gals before me that tried herceptin.

Like I always say- are we there yet?

[Lala]

Margerie

I just wanted to wish you the best on this innovative trial. I think is it great that you are able to participate and pave the way for the future. Thanks to people like you we will be able to learn more about this disease and Her2. You Go Girl Good Luck !

Hugs

[doh2pa]

Hi Marjerie,

Good for you! I am getting my scans next week and hoping to be stable or NED in order to enroll in another vaccine trial (did one at Penn last year). I'd love to go to U of W since they are so cutting edge in this area, but I am on the east coast so the travel is a big consideration.

Please keep us updated on how it goes.

Donna

[Adriana Mangus]

Hi Margerie: So glad to hear such good news. Lucky you, got to spend some time with Stephanie, one of these days- I live in San Diego, Ca, I will be visiting Seattle and will swing by to say hi to Stephanie. Keep us posted please!!!

[Adriana Mangus]

What exactly is the criteria for NED. Tumor marker, CT Scan, etc. I appreciate your response. Also how long do you need to be NED in order to qualify for this trial. Thank you Margerie.

[MJo]

Thank you Margerie for being a vaccine pioneer. Also thanks to all the Herceptin pioneers on this board. MJO

[Margerie]

Adriana,

Got out my paperwork- allowed "Stage 4 with metastasis in remission defined as no evidence of disease. Stable or healing bone disease by radiographic evaluation which may include, but is not limited to, bone scan, MRI or PET scan documented within 60 days of enrollment to study and NED status for extraskeletal metastasis."

There are some blood test ranges (SGOT, WBC, creatinine, ANA, etc.) that need to be in the normal range and normal MUGA also required if you are receiving herceptin while on the study.

No mention of tumor markers for breast cancer is mentioned in my paperwork. They do want normal CA125 for ovarian cancer girls.

Anyway, I am sure you can email Patty and get your specific answers- she is great!

[chrisy]

Thanks for posting - good for you! I'm also trying to get into that study as well but have been waiting for a response from Patty to get the medical release to start the screening. Maybe I'll give her a call if I don't hear from her soon, you've got me inspired!


Good luck
Chris

[Lolly]

Way to go Margerie! I was in UW's Phase II Study of the ICD Peptide-Based Vaccine for Stage IV Her2+'s. They are a wonderful, dedicated group up there! And Steph and Emil are so sweet. Glad you are in the trial, and be sure to keep us posted.

<3 Lolly

[rinaina]

All the best Margerie with the trial vaccine in Seattle. Please keep us posted. Sounds like you are in good hands there and an added bonus of having one of out sister's there (Stephanie). I will be in Seattle in September over labor day weekend. Anyone have suggestions on what to do when we aren't busy with the wedding? We will be there for 4-5 days.

[MCS]

thank you for posting the information. wish it was available to us all huh? including the early stagers ( so they don't become late stagers!) what do we have to do to take care of this at the beginning and not at the end. doctors and fda needs to hear the cry

keep us in touch how you do.

Good luck

MCS ( maria)