Hi Eileen,
I was in the UW/Seattle "Phase II Study of a HER-2/neu Intracellular Domain (ICD) Peptide-Based Vaccine" in Spring 2005...
I found the trial coordinator very helpful about answering questions regarding the different studies available at UW, and was even sent the Consent Form when I requested it prior to actually enrolling in the study. Asking for the Consent Form was a tip my oncology nurse gave me, and it proved valuable as the form contains all the information about the trial drug that the study is mandated by law to provide to volunteers so they are fully informed. It wouldn't hurt to ask for the consent form for Xenogeneic HER2/neu DNA vaccine from MSK. Also, check out the UW/Seattle clinical trials and don't hesitate to contact Patty Fintak(contact info available on their clinical trials page)with questions about the differences between their various vaccines...
I'm sorry I don't have the answers for you, but I really don't understand the differences either! Maybe one of our "propeller heads" will post with some comments?
Here's a link to the UW Clinical Trials page if you haven't visited it already:
http://depts.washington.edu/tumorvac/trials.php
__________________
Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
|