New Trial , wish Hans luck!

[Ensnee]

Hi Everyone,

I thought you all might be interested to know that Hans is starting treatment in a Phase 1 trial of a new drug called MGCD0103, manufactured by Methylgene Inc. Tomorrow is Day 1. It is not considered induction, and is in pill form, taken 3 times weekly, in continuous 3 week cycles. It is for patients with leukemia or MDS. Here is a quote from the study info:

“MGCD0103 belongs to a class of drugs known as the histone deacetylase inhibitors, which may restore normal control in cancer cells by affecting the genes and proteins that are being made. Laboratory tests show that this new investigational anti-cancer drug can slow down the growth of human cancer cells in mice, and two clinical research studies are currently being performed in humans with cancer.

About 25 patients in Canada and the United States will take part and it will take about 16-18 months to complete the study. About half of the patients will be accrued from the Princess Margaret Hospital. The results of the study should be known in about 1.5 – 2 years.”

As long as Hans’ condition stays the same or gets better, he will be kept on this drug. Let’s hope it turns out to be a great drug, both for him and for all the other people desperately looking for the answer.

many hugs,
Esme

[Suzanne]

I am wishing Hans good luck with this new study. I know it must be making you both feel better to have something to try. And pills are wonderful compared to How most things are administered. Zarnestra was pills also and it was such a relief after shots and drug pumps!Wishing you the best.

[Kathy G]

I’m praying that this drug works for Hans and is a step closer to helping others. Please keep posting with updates.

Kathy G

[shirlsgirl]

Hi Esme,

Wishing Hans best of luck with this trial drug. It sounds so promising! Yay for pills!

big hug,

Jody

[Ensnee]

Thanks, ladies, for the good thoughts! We are hopeful, though a bit more guardedly because the last two trials he’s been in have not worked for him. There is also the knowledge that by taking part he is also contributing to the wealth of knowledge that may help other patients in the future since, as Dr. Schuh said to us the other day, “The treatments we have now for leukemia really suck!” That’s a direct quote, by the way.

cheers,
Esme

[CarolineG]

Hi Esme.

Many hopes and prayers that this will be your answer. I am happy that he gets to take the pill route.

Caroline

[Naomi]

Hi Ensnee:
Hopefully this is “third time’s a charm” for Hans.
It was for me.
Good Luck and prayers are with you.
Naomi

[Jimbob]

Esme,
I hope and pray that Hans being on the pill will mean many, many more years of improved life together for the two of you.
Jim

[Ani]

Esme, I too echo the thoughts of others, hopes and prayers are with you as we will all benefit from the results

Shalom
Ani

[Jim]

Good luck. We all will be watching and praying.

[Ensnee]

Thanks, everyone one of you! We’re all in this together….!

hugs,
Esme

[gemloyear]

Esme, Our hopes and prayers are with you and Hans that this will be the magic pill.
Ellie & Glen

[Ensnee]

I’m really hoping it is the magic pill. Hans came home after a very long day at the hospital (lots of blood taken for the study at intervals –they took so much they had to give him a couple of bags.) He was queasy and depressed. Since Jan 11, his blast count has gone from 0.82, to 3.64 a week later, and then 2 days after (last Friday) it was 7.08. Today his WBC was 14.6. So, it seems the leukemia is roaring back…pretty scary.

The ups and downs continue.

Esme

[Kathryn]

Hey Esme,

Best of luck to Hans.! Know that you guys are in my prayers & that healing thoughts, love & hugs are being sent your way!!!

Kathryn

[sugarwhale]

Dear Esme,
This sounds good! Hooray for Canada! I’m going to talk to OUR doc about this one! Thank you for sharing! Best of luck!
~~~ Janet

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