The NEXT T-DM1 (MM-302)

[CourtneyL]

I just had a meeting with Dr. Pamela Munster, UCSF's clinical trial director, yesterday and she told me about a very exciting new drug that is just starting to recruit:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01304797?term=mm+302&rank=1

The drug is similar to T-DM1 but is suppose to be better because the chemo molecule that it attaches is more effective. Instead of attaching DM1 to Herceptin, MM-302 attaches an anthracycline - a chemo proven to be more effective in breast cancer. This could really be something!

The only thing about the trial is you can't have had an anthracycline in the past, which many have. Fortunately I qualify for this trial if my next scan shows progression and my brain mets are stable. I can't seem to get access to T-DM1 so I may just give this new drug a try. Who knows? This could be our cure!

Always hoping,

[Pray]

Courtney,

God bless you wonderful women! I pray this will be your cure! You have been through so much already in your young life you must have a break coming!

Peace my Friend..

Your Friend,

Nancy

[chrisy]

Hmmm. I wonder if that is an attractive option AFTER TDM1 failure (was it the "T" or the "DM1" that failed?) I know Dr. Rugo was super excited about the mk2206 akt inhibitor trial (another of Dr. Munster's studies) for me. I'll add that to my list of questions for when I see her in a few weeks

Thanks for posting, Courtney

[Ellie F]

Hi Courtney
Am assuming that as it is attached to a targeted treatment, then the negative effects on the heart are reduced??

Ellie

[hutchibk]

Hmmm... very curious, since Slamon just wrote about and posted results of a cardiotoxicity study proving already known problems w/ Herceptin and anthracyclines in the Oct NEJM. It appears Genentech isn't the host of this new drug...
But perhaps the action of targeting it attached to Herceptin helps reduce cardiotoxicity events like Ellie mentioned. I can't hold it in my back pocket, because I had Adria in my first line of treatment...

But I love seeing a new option in the pipeline for others, as long as it leaves your heart in good stead.

[yanyan]

Thanks, Cortney. I hope you can get in the trial and it will work for you!! My last herceptin ends in Feb next year. But i don't think you can qualify for the trial if you have no active diseases.

[Rich66]

Man..all I can add is Dr. Munster in October? Hmmm.

[StephN]

Your avatar says it all, rich! Weird science is around every corner these days.

[Rich66]

That pic was from a temple in Hong Kong. I bet Dr. Munster hasn't been there ;)

[CourtneyL]

I have some exciting news to share. I was just accepted into this trial and will start receiving this new super drug in two weeks after I complete some preliminary tests. I am thrilled to be the first patient at UCSF to receive the drug. Apparently the other trial sites have already given the drug to several rounds of patients so I won't be in the first few dosing groups. I'll be in the fourth or fifth dosing group. The doctors at UCSF are very excited about this drug and its possibilities. It is Herceptin + Doxil in one targeted delivery system - similar to T-DM1 but using Doxil as the attached chemo molecule instead of DM1. I will, of course, keep you all posted on my progress (or regress as I hope the case will be!)

[Rich66]

Any further info on cardiac issues?

[CourtneyL]

They will be keeping a close eye on my cardiac function. So far they haven't observed any significant negative side effects in the few patients who have enrolled in this study. Because it is a targeted delivery of an anthracycline, it doesn't have the same negative toxicity issues as regular Doxil. Of course it is still early days for this drug and this is only a Phase I so they really don't know too much.

[DeenaH]

How exciting Courtney!! I hope this is your miracle!

[caya]

Courtney, I am thrilled for you!! So hoping this is the magic bullet for you!!

all the best
caya

[alicem]

Best news I've heard all day!! So happy for you Courtney!!

[Pray]

Courtney,

I am so happy for you. I pray this is your cure! Gods blessings to you and that all goes well. I will keep you in my prayers.

Your Friend,

Nancy

[Bunty]

Great news Courtney! This is why this site is so wonderful - so much hope and information for us all! Really look forward to your updates, and best wishes to you!
Cheers Marie

[chrisy]

wow Courtney - VERY exciting! Defnitely keep us posted on your regress...

[ElaineM]

This is so exciting Courtney. I hope this is your miracle drug. Let us know how things go. Take good care of yourself.

[bejuce]

WOW!!!!! Truly wonderful news!!! I had no idea such a drug was in development. Sounds very promising. I sure hope it works!!!

[leez]

I am really happy for you. You are such an amazing woman.

[yanyan]

Very happy for you, Cortney. I was just thinking about you !

[Jackie07]

Congratulations! Thanks for being the pioneer on this trial.


Rich: Glad you mentioned about those hanging incense... I didn't figure it out until reading your explanation now. Yes, I'm familiar with that type of incense - I can smell it just by looking at the picture ... :)

[SoCalGal]

CO Q 10 - studies show that it protects the heart during adria, etc. I think you will have great regress on this!!!

[fullofbeans]

Courtney so happy for you! and let's hope its your cure and whow knows the braekthrough we are all waiting for
Love

[KDR]

My dear Courtney! How I wish I'd known you'd be in NYC...you have a big family here, and we are all close, we would've had a lunch for you! You continue to be an inspiration to all, especially me, and I am behind you 150% on this new trial...
which is Merrimack (spelling?)...right? Hence MM-302?
Well, I hope you enjoyed yourself while here, despite your hospital visit, that's where my former GP was before I moved (Downtown Hospital). Next time, please, please let us know you are coming. Feel good, dear one.
Love
Karen

[Mtngrl]

Courtney--Thank you for telling us about this. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[CourtneyL]

Yes, Karen, it is the Merrimack drug - hence the "MM" nomenclature. I am sorry I didn't have a chance to meet up with the New York crew on my last visit. Jay and I are in New York every year or so and I will definitely try and meet up with y'all the next time we are there. It would be lovely to meet more of you fabulous ladies!

Thank you all for your supportive and encouraging messages. I will start this drug next week. Come on NED, come on!

[Laurel]

Courtney, I am so very happy and elated for this opportunity. Way to go, Fighter-Girl! Blaze those new trails and help find that elusive CURE. Thoughts and prayers to you!

[chrisy]

Courtney,
I'm about to start trying to get in this trial as I just learned today that the xeloda was an abject failure in stopping my one dumb liver met. Keeping my fingers crosses on this one; Rugo thinks it is a good option because I has such a good response to TDm1, even though it eventually stopped working. Messed up the washout period by getting herceptin today tho - so it will depend on getting an olen spot to begin in Dec.

Hope you do great on this! And that I can be joining you soon!

[chrisy]

Blame all the typos on the iPhone spellchecker. Thanks!

[Ellie F]

Good luck Chrisy. I hope it's magic for both of you as you are true warriors!

Ellie

[StephN]

Hi "pathfinding" sisters Courtney and Chris.

What is the latest? Can you bring us up to date whether you have started/are in?