HER-2 vaccine programs

[Merridith from Canada]

There is only one herceptin trial available to myself in Vancouver, BC and it appears that they are closing that trial early (due to the avalanch of volunteers!) and I will not get in.

There is nothing further available to myself here.

Does anyone know how I would find out about HER-2 vaccine trials based out of either Bellingham or Seatle that might be available to myself as a foreigner? (I am stage 1, no nodes).

Thanks all,
Merridith

[Lauren]

?? Since when are vaccine trials open to anyone who is stage 1? Do you mean adjuvant therapy via infusion??>

[Sheila]

I hope you have better luck than I did, I was Stage 1 with no pos. nodes and could not get Herceptin until I had a recurrence.
Hugs
Sheila

[Paul]

Dear Merridith,

The HER-2 vaccine program of the University of Washington is based in Seattle. You can contact Andrea York, BSN,RN at 206-616-9538 (email: ay5@u.washington.edu). Dr. Mary (Nora) Disis leads this program and it is world-class. Andrea should be able to answer your questions.

Best,

Paul

[Merridith]

Thanks Sheila!

I am aware of the risk factors, so I thought I had better pro-active right now while I'm at an early stage to prevent mets. I've been told that I have a 65 - 70% chance of getting through the next five years met-free. So I'm optimistic that I will be one of the lucky ones, and by the time it hits they will have even better treatments available!

I know a long-term survivor with AIDS who believes that he is still alive because he consistantly volunteered for trials and got the latest stuff.

It is based on this logic that I thought that I would look into vaccines. I can't travel to the States every 3 weeks.....that WOULD kill me! ;) But I could manage for a few injections....

Wish me luck! Merridith

[Anonymous]

Lauren is right. I don't live very far from the University of Washington where they are conducting the vaccine trial. (Within 4 hrs.) so I checked into volunteering and I do not qualify because I was stage 1-almost 2 but node neg. At this time, their only taking node +.

[Merridith from Canada]

You are correct. I emailed the nurse that Paul mentioned and she replied right away. I don't qualify.