[Becky]

Eric



Sometimes I believe that there is something out there. When I was in treatment, I decided to use Leukine (GM-CSF)

instead of Neulasta (G-CSF). (For the record, the difference between the 2 drugs is that Neulasta (or Neopgen) boosts only the neutrophils and Leukine boosts all components of the white blood cell system including the macrophages (monocytes and lymphocytes) and most importantly the dendrites (that can produce a self-vaccinating effect). Leukine is made by Berlex Labs (I have a point here and I am getting to it). Bizarrely, I met another woman with bc who was also using Leukine. Thinking I might have found another person who was doing the research I was doing, I found out her husband worked for Berlex and was the director of the Leukine division. A week or so later, I found myself (and my husband) at their house for dinner. I had the most interesting discussion of my life with this man. Bottom line – he told me that he felt that sooner or later, everyone would be made aware that G-CSF would be a problem drug (Tom has posted an article that it is a problem) because all WBC components should be boosted together, as they normally exist in the body. He said docs use it because it is one shot vs. 10 shots AND all the oncs really want is neutrophil boost because of the threat of infection. Then the discussion turned to “why cure cancer, it is a huge industry?” Think about it! What would researchers do (both MDs and in University settings). What would the docs do (and not just oncs but radiologists, technicians, surgeons, and pathologists)? Cancer centers, pharma companies, laboratories – its HUGE. There is no incentive whatsoever – none. I am not saying everyone involved is only out for the $ and that no one involved in the cancer "industry" cares, but... nobody wants to lose their job either. Its scary.