HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - A potential local study for mom..thoughts?

chrisy · 09-11-2008, 03:46 PM

Steph,
I agree there is obviously an unknown whether or not one would be in the Avastin arm of this study. However, the chemo/herceptin arm of this trial is a pretty potent one, with either herceptin+taxol or herceptin+taxol+carboplatin.

I had the latter (T/C/H) and it was very effective against my extensive liver mets in 2004. "Fabulous response" was how my onc put it. Still, in your case, Navelbine did the trick when Taxol didn't - I guess everyone is different. Not having a Navelbine history, I can't comment on which combo is "easier" in terms of side effects.

Rich,
If your mom is now considering chemo options, Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin is a great one if she and her onc feel it would be tolerable; Taxol/Herceptin is also good and possibly less "difficult". Not sure about Navelbine as I've not had that.

And IF these are options which are at/near the top of your list, even the chance to get Avastin with it would be a good opportunity. Studies show that the earlier you get Avastin, the more effective it is likely to be. Worst case, your mom would be getting a (cancer) killer standard of care regimen.

09-11-2008, 03:46 PM	#5
chrisy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 3,207	Steph, I agree there is obviously an unknown whether or not one would be in the Avastin arm of this study. However, the chemo/herceptin arm of this trial is a pretty potent one, with either herceptin+taxol or herceptin+taxol+carboplatin. I had the latter (T/C/H) and it was very effective against my extensive liver mets in 2004. "Fabulous response" was how my onc put it. Still, in your case, Navelbine did the trick when Taxol didn't - I guess everyone is different. Not having a Navelbine history, I can't comment on which combo is "easier" in terms of side effects. Rich, If your mom is now considering chemo options, Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin is a great one if she and her onc feel it would be tolerable; Taxol/Herceptin is also good and possibly less "difficult". Not sure about Navelbine as I've not had that. And IF these are options which are at/near the top of your list, even the chance to get Avastin with it would be a good opportunity. Studies show that the earlier you get Avastin, the more effective it is likely to be. Worst case, your mom would be getting a (cancer) killer standard of care regimen. __________________ Chris in Scotts Valley June 2002 extensive hi grade DCIS (pre-cancer-stage 0, clean sentinal node) Mastectomy/implant - no chemo, rads. "cured?" 9/2004 Diag: Stage IV extensive liver mets (!) ER/PR- Her2+++ 10/04-3/05 Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin , complete response! 04/05 - 4/07 Herception every 3 wks, Continue NED 04/07 - recurrence to liver - 2 spots, starting tykerb/avastin trial 06/07 8/07 10/07 Scans show stable, continue on Tykerb/Avastin 01/08 Progression in liver 02/08 Begin (TDM1) trial 08/08 NED! It's Working! Continue on TDM1 02/09 Continue NED 02/10 Continue NED. 5/10 9/10 Scans NED 10/10 Scans NED 12/10 Scans not clear....4/11 Scans suggest progression 6/11 progression confirmed in liver 07/11 - 11/11 Herceptin/Xeloda -not working:( 12/11 Begin MM302 Phase I trial - bust:( 03/12 3rd times the charm? AKT trial 5/12 Scan shows reduction! 7/12 More reduction!!!! 8/12 Whoops...progression...trying for Perjeta/Herceptin (plus some more nasty chemo!) 9/12 Start Perjeta/Herceptin, chemo on hold due to infection/wound in leg, added on cycle 2 &3 11/12 Poops! progression in liver, Stop Perjeta/Taxo/Herc 11/12 Navelbine/Herce[ptin - try for a 3 cycles, no go. 2/13 Gemzar/Carbo/Herceptin - no go. 3/13 TACE procedure