Optimistic thread

[eric]

I read this thread on a different site (good site but not as good as this one!) and I found it a good source of optimism...


Hi All, i am not a regular on this site, but I just had a visit with
my doctor and believe the information he gave me must be shared. My
doctor is the head of University of Michigan Cancer Center and has
been involved in research on breast cancer stem cells. He is just
beginning a clinical trial (Phase I) for an investigational drug in
combination with Taxotere. This combination has shown to be effective
in mice and it actually kills the stem cells, something that no
chemotherapy alone can do.

I believe it's important for you all to hear about this because my
doctor is one of the most conservative people I know and has absolutely
stellar credentials as a breast cancer researcher. In the 3.5 years
since my mets diagnosis, he has been guarded and cautious when
discussing the future. Today he actually uttered the word "cure,"
(obviously no promises and much testing is ahead before the results are
known) and talked of new therapies that will be in testing later this
fall (under development by a UM owned company). His passion about this
new avenue has made me (dare I say) a bit optimistic.

The trials are being conducted at Dana Farber and Baylor in addition
to UM. The UM website has additional info on breast cancer stem
cells as well.
Hope this boosts your morale as it has mine.

Eric

[caya]

Thanks Eric for posting this news. Hopefully the day is coming, sooner now rather than later, that we will no longer have to hold "Run for Cure" races.

all the best
caya

[Jean]

Eric,
Big thank you for thinking of us and sharing this wonderful news.
Would you happen to know the name of the trial? Would love to
follow it...and tell my onc. about it. (he may already know of it).

"Each day we get a little bit closer"

Jean

[Sherryg683]

Yes, can you get the name of the trial or drug used with Taxotere..sherryg683

[Lani]

I agree with your assessment of Dr. Wicha, whom I have heard speak at many conferences. I no nothing about him as a treating oncologist however.

I think the company is one which he and Michael Clarke, his former colleague at U of M started. It is in Menlo Park, California, I believe and is searching for stem cell markers to serve as targets vs. breast cancer stem cells.

I am happy to hear that the company is starting clinical trials.

I assume they are for those with metastatic disease only as whether the same markers are on non-cancerous stem cells which are needed for tissue regeneration and repair is not yet known.

Thanks for the info--I will check back at his company's website as well as that of the U of M cancer center.

PS. What has impressed me about Dr. Wicha is that, at conferences, he attends others' lectures and asks questions. Some of his other illustrious colleagues just come, give their own lectures and leave without listening to what
comes out at the other talks or discussing/debating findings.

[Lani]

It is Redwood City, not Menlo Park.

Looks like the company is cooperating with GlaxoSmith Kline.

[eric]

According to that thread, "the official title of the study is UMCC 2006.119. Phase I/II Trial of MK-0752 followed by docetaxel in locally advanced or
metastatic breast cancer." The only restriction is that you can not be taxane refractory which unfortunately leaves a lot of people out...for now. Hopefully they'll see strong success and modify the taxane piece.

Eric

[Susan]

Hi Eric: I've gone to Dr. Wicha at U-M also. He's is a wonderful man! He's is so down to earth and easy to talk to. I've felt so lucky to be able to be treated by him and his staff.

[lilyecuadorian]

Hope this boosts your morale as it has mine.

Of course Eric make me a little bit optimistic ....always watching your post ...I think we are in the same vibe ..thanks so so much