Patient Power interviews Dr Michael Keating at ASH 2012. FCR and the transition to better, kinder treatments.

[AussieNeil]

In this 6 minute interview by Andrew Schorr, Dr Michael Keating of MD Anderson, the father of FCR, acknowledges that while FCR has given a third of patients sustained, deep remissions for 10 years or more, it is not a gentle therapy. In this video, he discusses the exciting promise offered by small molecule non-chemotherapy treatments and ideas on how we can transition from FCR to these newer treatments. He sees the goal for the next ten year era as a doubling of the CLL cure rate, but says there will always be a place for chemotherapy.

patientpower.info/video/the...

Some notable quotes: "FCR will be relegated to a salvage regimen and I'm happy to see it." and "... we would all like to get to the point where we are treating people in a kinder, gentler fashion."

Bring it on!!!

Neil

[sparkler]

Thanks Neil. It is all very encouraging and positive news....particularly for those of us who worry we may not be able to tolerate FCR.

Sparkler x

[Newdawn Administrator]

Every time I hear this guy I want to hug him! His words always represent renewed hope and possibility.

Like Sparkler says, the developments and possibility of less toxic treatments are so encouraging. Where the dreaded C word represents Cure instead of Cancer is what I needed to hear on a frosty morning in England! Warming words. Wish he was my doctor!

And I know there's a way to go but at least it's started and results are promising.

Hope you're all as well as possible.

Newdawn x

[jangreen]

Hi As someone for whom FCR + M was neither kind nor gentle I welcome any new treatment, but you need to stay around long enough in remission (5 - 10 yrs) for them to come on line. So stay well and as healthy as possible.

[Newdawn Administrator]

I'm certainly working hard on that goal Jan, I know we all are. You've had such a rough time and I wish you much much better times ahead x

Newdawn

[Frintonite]

I also had FCR +M as part of the Admire Trial, and was one of the lucky ones who it did not affect that badly, but some who were having the same treatment were kept in overnight as they were very poorly. I finished treatment in Feb 2010, and have not looked back since, and am currently very well, and am about to embark on my 2nd sponsored cycle ride in May for Leukaemia Care

Ray