Intrathecal (IT) Herceptin (Trastuzumab) for brain mets (Leptomeningeal Metastases)

[marvass]

MRI of this week:
Carol is still NED even now that she is no longer doing IT herceptin for last 8 months.
Seems that damage done with the stroke has opened the BBB for IV herceptin to pass through. She is only taking 6mg per kilo IV herceptin and nothing else. No signs of fits for the past 7 months.
Stroke is clearing but still some old hemorrhage can be seen in it.
She still has quite a good quality of life, but still exercising to start walking again.

Mario

[Rolepaul]

Mario,
Good to hear Carol is doing well. Nina is afraid to stop the IT or IV Herceptin. She is at IV Herceptin every three weeks and IT Herceptin every four weeks. The IV is administered locally and the IT is administered at MD Anderson in Houston.
I think you have a good point about the BBB. It is likely that the IT Herceptin did the job in the time it was administered. The stroke occurring may have been due to the removal of the cancer cells and the collapse of the support system in the brain. That was something I would not have considered a potential issue, but I will forward to others about deep brain lesion potential side effects. The problem is that if the you do not stop the cancer lesions from growing they will kill the person as well. That is something that will have to be thought about by the Brain Cancer specialists.
Good luck. I would love to get out to see you, but it probably will not be this year. I will be going to Hawaii in July for Nina and my birthdays, and then business travel in the Us otherwise.
Glad to hear that Carol is recovering from the stroke. Our thoughts are with you and we hope that your lives are able to return to close to normal.
Paul and Nina

[evlin75]

So glad to hear that Carol is still doing well and gaining strength.
Susan is still getting IT Herceptin 80 weekly. She is now on Abraxine also weekly IV for the enlarged clavicle lymph nodes. The Abraxine is shrinking them and she is doing well on this routine. They did have to cancel one treatment of the Abraxine because of low platelets, but other than losing her hair, she is handling it well and feeling fine.
She has not had an MRI for a while but she is sure feeling much better.
My best to all,

Ev

[dchips1]

Hi Mario I am glad Carol is doing better. Evilin I am glad daughter feeling better as well. Thanks Paulfor leading the way.
I am having surgery to debulk and remove the t 8 lesion and fluid on the 29th. Neuro symptoms are rapidly getting worse. with no quick IT drug available this is what My family and medical team have decided to do. Cool thing is it will be done in Phoenix at Barrows Neurological institute, world class neuro drs and some really good technology and inpatient neuro rehab. since I am already his patient was able to get in very quick. The fluid has pushed the lesion more toward the right side laminectomy style. Best case coming out weak, which I already am, but should stop the growth and stop further nerve damage. Then go back to IT/IV herceptin

Peace and Prayers to all
I will update when they let me have my electronics back!!!!!

[evlin75]

I will be thinking of you on the 29th and am hoping you have great success with the surgery. Will be looking forward to your update.
My very best wishes !

Ev