HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Trial Trastuzumab-MCC-DM1 (I think it's working)

Barbara H. · 12-30-2007, 07:59 PM

Hi MPB,
You may just be sore. In the beginning the bone scans can show progression even when the cancer is not progressing. You will probably need to wait for a few more scans before you can determine what is going on. I have been on the trial since September and the CT and bone scan is finally showing response to treatment.

This is what my most recent CT scan on 12/20 indicated:
"Metastatic involvement of the bones is apparent, with areas of increasing sclerosis in comparison to prior study, possibly a treatment effect."

My bone scan indicated: There has been a slight decrease in the intensity of the radiotracer uptake associated with lesions in the right clavicle and the right hemipelvis. The additional lesions, including the one in the T11 and L1 vertebral bodies appear unchanged.

While this does not sound great, my tumor markers are now normal, and they are an excellent benchmark for me. I have the sense that it takes a while for these scans to show measurable response in the bones.

Best wishes,
Barbara H.

12-30-2007, 07:59 PM	#34
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	For MPB Hi MPB, You may just be sore. In the beginning the bone scans can show progression even when the cancer is not progressing. You will probably need to wait for a few more scans before you can determine what is going on. I have been on the trial since September and the CT and bone scan is finally showing response to treatment. This is what my most recent CT scan on 12/20 indicated: "Metastatic involvement of the bones is apparent, with areas of increasing sclerosis in comparison to prior study, possibly a treatment effect." My bone scan indicated: There has been a slight decrease in the intensity of the radiotracer uptake associated with lesions in the right clavicle and the right hemipelvis. The additional lesions, including the one in the T11 and L1 vertebral bodies appear unchanged. While this does not sound great, my tumor markers are now normal, and they are an excellent benchmark for me. I have the sense that it takes a while for these scans to show measurable response in the bones. Best wishes, Barbara H.