There are 2 programs for which I meet the broad criteria. Assuming the labs and images needed close to the start date meet their expectations, I can start the AMG 509 program at Penn on December 14th. I met with the Jefferson team yesterday and they are genuinely excited about the antibody in this study.
The National Cancer Institute Oncologist thinks the program described below is the one I should join. It is in Bethesda. I pasted some paragraphs from the consent, which describe the program.
"Immunotherapy drugs are being studied for their potential to boost the body’s immune response to cancer. Scientists and doctors think that combining these treatments will make them more effective than when used alone. This may be true for many types of cancer, including castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
In this study, participants will receive treatment combinations of either 2, 3, or 4 different immunotherapy drugs (BN-brachyury, M7824, ALT-803 and Epacadostat). BN-brachyury, M7824, ALT-803 and Epacadostat are all investigational (have not been approved by the FDA) immunotherapy drugs.
Generally, these treatments are all thought to help the body’s immune system fight cancer in different ways.
M7824 can attach to many different types of cells in the body. When it is attached to cancer, it can make it easier for your immune system to destroy the cancer. When attached to immune cells, it can increase the body’s immune response.
ALT-803 can supercharge different types of immune cells that kill tumor cells. It can also increase the numbers of these cancer-fighting cells.
BN-Brachyury is cancer vaccine designed to create immune cells that can recognize and kill certain types of cancer.
Cancer can create chemicals within the body that make it more difficult for the immune system to attack cancer. Epacadostat is a drug that blocks production of those chemicals.
In this study, we will investigate the safety of using BN-brachyury, M7824, ALT-803 and Epacadostat given in different combinations and whether this combined treatment will cause your tumors to shrink.
"
Both programs seem to think I am a good subject. I am asymptomatic and fit. Maybe I can start a bidding war, as I understand these trials give you a stipend for participating.
Both seem interesting to me. The one in Philadelphia is easier, but I am evaluating.
Today is the first day since June 8, 2019, that I did not take Abiraterone as they want me to begin cleansing from that. I will continue with monthly Degarelix injections.
I hope to hear some opinions on the antibodies and agents involved. I will share what I find out.
Thanks
Philly
Written by
Philly13
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I think N-803 and ALT-803 are the same, and Bintrafusp alfa and M7824 are the same, so this study used all the same ingredients except Epacadostat. If you look at Figure 3, you can see that adding N-803 to the mix made quite a difference (top (Arm 2.1) vs bottom (Arm 2.2), and because you may not be randomized to get the drug, this is something you may want to consider.
It is good that you have options . I’ve been on a trial drug for over five years now . I recommend trials ... They test you thoroughly and it’s all free . Stay fit . Work out and get some oxygen ,even when you don’t feel like it . Good luck 🍀
The very strange thing is that I responded to this note and it is nowhere to be found.
J-O_H-N you remind me of Will Rogers and Warren Buffett's partner Charlie Munger.
Will Rogers quote on investing, "Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it."
Charlie Munger quipped at one of Berkshire Hathaway's annual meetings. "All I Want To Know Is Where I'm Going To Die So I'll Never Go There: Buffett & Munger" Then someone wrote a wonderful book about this type of reasoning. amazon.com/Want-Where-Going... It is a great read. Buffett, Munger, and Will Rogers. Not Dan Hicks.
I am a Buffett groupie, and putting you in the same paragraph as the 3 people mentioned is quite a compliment. Your humor contains some elegant wisdom and it is very welcome, in the context of the conversations in this club we would all love to escape from.
Thank you very much.
Here is a link to a song that I would love to sing to cancer.
Side note, I went to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In the summer of 1973, I enrolled for summer courses at the University of California at Santa Cruz. I took 2 courses which both met on Tuesday and Thursday. Oceanography in the mornings and a Bergman film course. Believe it or not, I hitchhiked from Philly to Santa Cruz and back at the end of the course. I bring this silliness up because I went to a concert in Santa Cruz where Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks performed in the opening act for Hot Tuna. This concert was the night before the Oceanography final. It was a wild night during a summer filled with adventure and fun. I aced the final and got a science credit that counted for my degree at Wharton and bumped up my average grades. We called it a cum back then. The film course was taught by a woman that just told us to grade ourselves, write a paper if you want or not. I did not write a paper but I did get an A. I went to every class and she was a great guide for the courses. Different times, to say the least.
I will type an update on my immunotherapy progress tomorrow. It has been quite a ride these last few weeks. The summer of '73 was a much better experience.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Major Prostate Cancer Breakthrough
Is Provenge a kind of attenuated cancer
I wonder if body builders using creatine get less cancer
Starting xgeva next month
Why Metastatic PC is Not Curable
