Leukapheresis completed

[Javelin18]

I got my leukapheresis yesterday for the CAER-T trial at City of Hope. It should be about 4 weeks until they infuse the modified cells.

Next steps are bone and marrow biopsies to characterize the cancer prior to treatment, chemotherapy to deplete my T cells and macrophages then infusing the modified cells. None of that sounds like much fun, but I'm committed to the plan.

[Ramp7]

Fascinating stuff. I had reached out to Dana Farber late last year regarding this study, ended up with the Novartis LuPSMA. Looking forward to hearing positive results from you.

[Javelin18 in reply to Ramp7]

Definitely a new frontier. I'm hoping they figure out how to make this work during my trial. I think they have found something important with the depletion of T cells and macrophages prior to infusion. Time will tell.

[Oldie68]

Good luck with your trial! Many times fun comes after some pain. Stay the course and hopefully brighter days will come for you. I appreciate your sharing what you are going through.

[Javelin18 in reply to Oldie68]

Thanks, I'll keep posting as things proceed. Leukapheresis wasn't any trouble except for the iv needles. After dozens of pokes over the last year and a quarter, I've gotten used to those.

[Javelin18]

I'm planning to post a chart of my PSA and ALP after the treatment. I'm hoping it shows a vertical drop. So far it's shown ups and downs with a continuing upward trend.

[slpdvmmd]

Thank you again for keeping us updated.

[Bvilkid]

We are all optimistic for your success with this treatment. Thanks for your commitment. Just read your bio. Did cancer also invade your bone marrow?

[Javelin18 in reply to Bvilkid]

I don't know if it is in the marrow. I'm not sure scans would show that, but the biopsy would. The marrow biopsy is a standard part of the trial protocol.

[Tall_Allen]

Which IHC will they be doing?

[Javelin18 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I'm going to adk about that. The CAR-aT in this trial targets PSCA. 80% of my original biopsy expressed PSCA, and I would guess they would also stain the new biopsy samples for that, but I haven't asked Dr Dorff yet.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Javelin18]

As I recall, they do. She told me that they find 95% PCSA expression. I was curious if they stain for other stuff too.

[Javelin18 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I'll ask. I recall that they are genetically sequencing the before and after biopsies.

[CrocodileShoes]

Wow, you truly are a pioneer. In years to come (not màny I hope) people will look back and say ' that was when we made the breakthrough'. So , we all have cause to be grateful. Please keep us posted.

[longleaf]

Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you have the best possible outcome.

[Faith1111]

This Car T trial is near and dear to my heart. My brother was three days from leukophorisis but didn’t make it. Although my brother has passed I will continue to follow your journey. I am so happy that you have completed this first part. You’ve got this Javelin18!!!

[Javelin18 in reply to Faith1111]

Thank you. His perseverance is part of my inspiration to continue. On days when I feel sorry for myself, think of how much others have gone through.

[TonyS58]

The PSCA CAR-T trial at City of Hope was on my radar screen when I was told about the PSMA CAR-T trial at Mass General. It looks like I'll have an Apheresis slot in early July. Good luck with the trial.

[Javelin18 in reply to TonyS58]

Thanks, hoping we both have good results.

[hopeful1956]

I pray the outcome is positive for you. There is always hope.

[keepinon]

No Pain No Gain! We are all rooting for you! Best of luck!!

[MateoBeach]

Clearly they are doing everything in their power to give it the best possible chance for success. All systems “Go” for your moon shot. God speed, Javelin.

[Bethpage]

I read miraculous personal stories of CAR-T used successfully with CLL patients every day. I'm praying you're one for PCa. Keeping you in prayers.

[Blueslover]

Good luck

[Spyder54]

Best of Luck Jav. Both you and Mateo Paul are venturing into unchartered space. We are pulling for both of you. Both the Car-T and J-591 applications could/should be next level at extended remissions. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Mike

[CAMPSOUPS]

3 weeks to start initial treatment it appears.Thanks again for keeping us up to date and getting into this promising trial.

I know PCa has been relentlessly pursuing you so at the very least I hope you get some breathing room although so many feel this treatment will offer much more.

[Javelin18 in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

Yes around 3 weeks to go. Still waiting to hear the schedule date. I'm hoping for very good results, but just slowing the pace of the battle would be good too.