TDM1

[greenbear]

I had read in the TOI that TDM1 used for metastatic HER2 positive cancers not responding to Herceptin had received accelerated approval for use in India. Has it been put into clinical practice by oncologists in India. One of the members Rishi 75 had posted that his wife was not responding to navelbine and herceptin. Is TDM1 an option for his wife.

[roxboxfox RadiationOncologist]

I have used TD-M1 in over a dozen patients in UK, and in 10 out of 12 patients we have seen a response to treatment after just 2-3 cycles. This is another wonder drug, which has been engineered by Roche (Genentech), it works in a slightly different way... Here Herceptin is linked with a missile or a bomb viz Emtansine which is very cytotoxic and lethal to any cells. So TDM-1 when given, would go and attach wherever Her2 receptors exist in the body... the max concentration is gonna be on the Her 2+ve breast cancer cells... and thats it.... this targeted missile will be released inside the her2 positive breast cancer cells and that cell is doomed for sure. Amazing ..is nt it...

When we saw the initial videos and pictographs in 2012, we were fascinated and amazed to be in such wonderful era of molecular biology and targeted treatments....

But the evil part comes here.... its is prohibitively expensive and only for the richest of rich people... It is still not widely available in Uk, and in India i last heard, the companies had no plans to launch this drug till 2016-2018, for the fear of generic brands which few rival companies may target to make, and they also fear the Indian laws which are compassionate and be helpful to patients, unlike in UK and US, where the govts are more strict towards regulatory regulations, copyright privacy, intellectual rights, etc etc

As of now, its not yet available and last when i spoke to Roche representative during Diwai time, there were no upcoming plans from the company to get it here as they feel the market share is not going to be huge.

Can you quote which page of TOI is this published (which date).

[manish_vkg TeamBCI in reply to roxboxfox]

Dr, this is really wonderful news...i wish, soon they will launch in india...at least someone will be benefited!!!

[sumeet_shah Administrator in reply to roxboxfox]

You explain very well, roxboxfox! Simple and lucid.

ANd Manish, yes, many people stand to benefit from it. However, the cost is killing at present. It took almost a decade for Herceptin cost to be reduced to half, and it is still very expensive for most of us. Let's hope this molecule reduces its price after a reasonable time.

[greenbear]

Sorry doctors it is not a very recent post and I do not remember the date. I intended to keep the cutting but forgot. IF i go to town I shall try to retrieve from TOI archives. All HER 2 drugs like laptanib etc are so costly. It is high time the government did something about it.

[roxboxfox RadiationOncologist]

You re right... The story of Herceptin is certainly one of its kind.... and we ve come a long way ..

See this letter to the Honorable PM. Mr Manmohan Singh that time.

donttradeourlivesaway.files...

Perhaps more awareness about this newer drugs their benefits, the impact what these molecules have on the lives of breast cancer patients and the cost implications, need to be carefully judged and similar proactive calls need to be taken by Breast cancer survivors, treating oncologists and health care providers.