Re: MJ on Cediranib Phase 2 clinical Trial at NCI
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:05 pm
Dear Brian,
Thank you for your thoughtful update. I am so deeply sorry that the Sutent was unsuccessful in stabilizing MJ's disease progression. I am not personally familiar with the new combination EZN-2208 Bevacizumab (Avastin) Phase I Trial at NCI, but I do know that Avastin has unfortunately not been shown to be effective for the ASPS patients who I know that have been treated with it. Also, Avastin used in combination with Cediranib in a Clinical Trial at MD Anderson was heartbreakingly unsuccessful in stabilizing the progression of ASPS patient Patrick Williams disease. Before proceeding with this new Clinical Trial, I urge you to thoroughly research it and to find out from the lead research oncologist in charge of the Trial (is it Dr. Kummar?) if it has shown any success thus far for ASPS patients and what the rationale and research basis are for using this drug combination. I, like Olga, continue to be concerned about MJ still not having had her large primary tumor in her thigh removed, and as I have discussed with you before, I think that the tumor burden created by the large primary may make it difficult/impossible for any systemic treatment to be effective. I personally think that resection of the primary needs to be a priority before proceeding with the EZN-2208 Bevacizumab Phase I Trial at NCI or any other new systemic treatment in order to provide the best chance of a successful response to the treatment and to prevent MJ from having yet another failed treatment response. Please know that my continued most caring thoughts and very best wishes are with MJ and your family, and I will be anxiously awaiting your next update. Please take care Brian and keep in touch with the Board as you are able.
With concern, deepest caring, healing wishes for MJ, and continued Hope,
Bonni
Thank you for your thoughtful update. I am so deeply sorry that the Sutent was unsuccessful in stabilizing MJ's disease progression. I am not personally familiar with the new combination EZN-2208 Bevacizumab (Avastin) Phase I Trial at NCI, but I do know that Avastin has unfortunately not been shown to be effective for the ASPS patients who I know that have been treated with it. Also, Avastin used in combination with Cediranib in a Clinical Trial at MD Anderson was heartbreakingly unsuccessful in stabilizing the progression of ASPS patient Patrick Williams disease. Before proceeding with this new Clinical Trial, I urge you to thoroughly research it and to find out from the lead research oncologist in charge of the Trial (is it Dr. Kummar?) if it has shown any success thus far for ASPS patients and what the rationale and research basis are for using this drug combination. I, like Olga, continue to be concerned about MJ still not having had her large primary tumor in her thigh removed, and as I have discussed with you before, I think that the tumor burden created by the large primary may make it difficult/impossible for any systemic treatment to be effective. I personally think that resection of the primary needs to be a priority before proceeding with the EZN-2208 Bevacizumab Phase I Trial at NCI or any other new systemic treatment in order to provide the best chance of a successful response to the treatment and to prevent MJ from having yet another failed treatment response. Please know that my continued most caring thoughts and very best wishes are with MJ and your family, and I will be anxiously awaiting your next update. Please take care Brian and keep in touch with the Board as you are able.
With concern, deepest caring, healing wishes for MJ, and continued Hope,
Bonni