MsC1210

Randy, Thanks so much for all that you do. You have helped me more times than you know. Although I have not yet ventured into a Tuesday night chat (just not ready for that yet. Sorry) One of these days I truly hope to. Sending you prayers, hugs, love and one of your favorite things.. warm, fuzzy blankets (or is it towels?? Either way, what a concept!) from the dryer!! Hugs to you, Chris

Hello Ravenswood and welcome I am sorry to hear about your MIL. What a tremendous shock that must have been! I agree completely with Kelly, a 2nd opinion is definitely a good idea. Please keep us posted on things and do not hesistate to ask any and all questions you have. This is a wonderful place to get support, answers and HOPE. Read some of the good news and survivors forum postings for some inspiration. Let us know how else we can help. We are here for you. My best to you and your family, Chris

International Conference Focuses On A Rare And Lethal Lung Cancer 21 Oct 2006 The University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine hosted the eighth conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) from Thurs., Oct. 19, through Sun., Oct. 22, 2006, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 E. North Water Street in Chicago. A related conference, organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and designed to educate patients about the disease, took place at the same hotel on Fri. and Sat., Oct. 20-21. With more than 150 research presentations, the IMIG conference will be the largest scientific gathering on mesothelioma ever held. The IMIG meets every two years and has not met in the United States since 1997. The Chicago conference--co-chaired by University of Chicago cancer specialists Hedy Kindler, M.D., associate professor of medicine, and Samuel Armato, M.D., associate professor of radiology--brings together the leading experts from five continents to discuss all aspects of the disease, including epidemiology, pathogenesis, biomarkers, genetics, animal models, risk assessment, diagnosis, imaging, multimodality therapy, and novel treatments. This year's conference included a new session focused on the increased risk of pleural mesothelioma for people exposed to airborne debris from the collapse of the World Trade Center. Mesothelioma is a rare and lethal form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a thin layer of specialized cells that lines the lungs and the abdominal cavity. In the United States there are fewer than 2,500 new cases a year. Most cases are caused by asbestos exposure. The disease often appears decades after exposure. "The number of asbestos-related cases in the United States has recently leveled off," said Kindler, "but the disease is still on the increase in Western Europe and is growing dramatically in Japan." Because the disease is often advanced at the time of diagnosis, average survival for those with pleural mesothelioma--affecting the tissue that line the lungs--is only about one year. Anyone with this disease should be in a clinical trial, suggests Kindler, who heads one of the largest mesothelioma clinics in the U.S. "Although we have made substantial progress in understanding this disease," she said, "progress in treating it up to now been limited. But as we learn more, we develop new treatment options and we now have drugs that make a difference." The full conference schedule is available at: http://imig.uchicago.edu/index/html Contact: John Easton University of Chicago Medical Center Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=54583

Brian and Joanie Sending tons of prayers, hugs and positive thoughts for a quick recovery and healing. My very best to you both Chris

Hello Cheryl and welcome I am sorry you have reason to find a site such as this, but glad you have posted and introduced yourself and your husband. You have gotten a lot of good advice here already. I cannot add much to it. Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help you. My best to you and your husband Chris

Lilly Launches Phase III 'GALES' Trial Of ALIMTA® (Pemetrexed For Injection) In Small Cell Lung Cancer 21 Oct 2006 Eli Lilly and Company has launched a major clinical trial evaluating ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a devastating and rapidly spreading form of lung cancer. This international trial, expected to be the largest ever to be conducted in SCLC(1), will assess the potential clinical benefit of pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin, a commonly-used chemotherapeutic agent, in direct comparison to the current leading treatment option of etoposide in combination with carboplatin. The trial -- known as GALES for Global Analysis of Pemetrexed in SCLC Extensive Stage -- is a Phase III, global, multicenter, randomized, open-label study that will enroll approximately 1,820 patients with extensive-stage SCLC. The study's primary objective is to compare the overall survival after treatment with pemetrexed plus carboplatin versus etoposide plus carboplatin in previously untreated patients with extensive-stage SCLC. The principal investigator of this study is Nick Thatcher, M.D. of Christie Hospital NHS Trust in Manchester, United Kingdom. SCLC accounts for between 15 and 20 percent of all lung cancers.(2) Although SCLC is less common than the other main category of lung cancer -- non-small cell lung cancer, SCLC tends to spread more quickly and, as a result, people are typically diagnosed with extensive disease and left without options such as surgery to remove the cancer. "An innovative aspect of this study is that we will employ the use of pharmacogenomic analysis to assess potential biological characteristics relative to a patient's potential response to chemotherapy," said Richard Gaynor, M.D., vice president, cancer research and global oncology platform leader for Eli Lilly and Company. Specifically, the study will use pharmacogenomic analysis of patient- authorized tissue and blood samples to determine if there are any biological characteristics that would indicate a potentially higher clinical benefit from the ALIMTA therapy for any patient sub-population groups. Pharmacogenomics may one day help researchers find ways to "tailor" chemotherapy to patients based on their biological indication to benefit from specific treatments. The Phase II trial results for the randomized study of pemetrexed plus carboplatin are featured in the October 20, 2006 edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Preliminary results for the trial were first presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Florida.(3) In addition to comparing the overall survival between the two patient groups, the study will also assess and compare the patient groups based on the following secondary objectives: -- Overall survival in a subgroup of patients classified as "sensitive" with respect to the results of a prospectively defined set of biomarkers -- Objective tumor response, or the percentage of patients whose tumors shrink or disappear after treatment -- Time to event variables, including progression-free survival, survival with Grade 4 toxicity, survival without Grade 3-4 toxicity, and time to worsening of health-related quality of life More details on the study design and information on global recruitment sites may be found at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, http://www.lillytrials.com, or by calling 1-877-CTLILLY (1-877-285-4559). More About SCLC SCLC is sometimes called "oat cell" cancer because small cell lung cancer cells resemble oat grains. Patients with SCLC are staged according to a two- stage system, being diagnosed as having either limited-stage disease or extensive-stage disease. Approximately 65 - 70 percent of patients with SCLC present with extensive-stage disease. Untreated patients with extensive-stage SCLC have a median survival of approximately five weeks and patients treated with chemotherapy have a median survival of seven to 11 months. The current two-year survival rate for patients with extensive SCLC is less than 10 percent with current management options. Combination chemotherapy remains the primary treatment option for patients with extensive-disease SCLC. Currently, cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with etoposide are the most commonly used regimens in SCLC.(4) About ALIMTA® (pemetrexed for injection) Pemetrexed is a novel antifolate that simultaneously blocks three separate enzyme targets important to the formation of basic building blocks by which cancer cells grow and divide. It is approved, in combination with cisplatin, for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is unrectable or who are otherwise not candidates for curative surgery. Important Safety Information Myelosuppression is usually the dose-limiting toxicity with pemetrexed therapy. Pemetrexed is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed or to any other ingredient used in the formulation. Warnings Patients must be instructed to take folic acid and vitamin B12 with pemetrexed as a prophylaxis to reduce treatment-related hematologic and GI toxicities. Pemetrexed should not be administered to patients with a creatinine clearance <45> 1500 cells/mm3 and the platelet count is > 100,000 cells/mm3. Pretreatment with dexamethasone or its equivalent has been reported to reduce the incidence and severity of skin rash. The effect of third space fluid, such as pleural effusion and ascites, on pemetrexed is unknown. In patients with clinically significant third space fluid, consideration should be given to draining the effusion prior to pemetrexed administration. Caution should be used when administering ibuprofen concurrently with pemetrexed to patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance from 45 to 79 mL/min). Patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency should avoid taking NSAIDs with short elimination half-lives for a period of 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of pemetrexed. In the absence of data regarding potential interaction between pemetrexed and NSAIDs with longer half-lives, all patients taking these NSAIDs should interrupt dosing for at least 5 days before, the day of, and 2 days following pemetrexed administration. If concomitant administration of an NSAID is necessary, patients should be monitored closely for toxicity, especially myelosuppression, renal and gastrointestinal toxicities. Concomitant administration of nephrotoxic drugs or substances that are tubularly secreted could result in delayed clearance of pemetrexed. It is recommended that nursing be discontinued if the mother is being treated with pemetrexed. Pemetrexed should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of antineoplastic agents. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with hepatic insufficiency. Dosing and Modification Guidelines Dose adjustments at the start of a subsequent cycle should be based on nadir hematologic counts or maximum nonhematologic toxicity from the preceding cycle of therapy. Modify or suspend therapy according to the Dosage Reduction Guidelines in the full Prescribing Information. Adverse Events The most common adverse events (grades 3/4) with pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of patients with MPM were neutropenia (24%); leukopenia (16%); anemia (6%); thrombocytopenia (5%); infection without neutropenia (2%); fatigue (17%); thrombosis/embolism (6%); nausea (12%); vomiting (11%); dyspnea (11%); and chest pain (9%). The most common clinically relevant adverse events (all grades) were fatigue (80%); thrombosis/embolism (7%); nausea (84%); vomiting (58%); constipation (44%); anorexia (35%); stomatitis/pharyngitis (28%); diarrhea (26%); dyspnea (66%); chest pain (40%); and rash (22%). Copies of the package insert can be obtained via http://www.ALIMTA.com or calling 1-800-LILLY-RX (545-5979). Lilly Oncology, a Division of Eli Lilly and Company For more than four decades, Lilly Oncology has been collaborating with cancer researchers to deliver innovative treatment choices and valuable programs to patients and physicians. Inspired by courageous patients living with cancer, Lilly Oncology is providing treatments that are considered global standards of care and developing a broad portfolio of novel targeted therapies to accelerate the pace and progress of cancer care. To learn more about Lilly's commitment to cancer, please visit http://www.LillyOncology.com. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at http://www.lillytrials.com. P-LLY. (1) Investigators Thatcher N, Socinski M, Smit E et al , Randomized Phase III Trial of ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) and Carboplatin versus Etoposide and Carboplatin in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer; April 13, 2006. (2) Lung Cancer Alliance, "About Lung Cancer," http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/facing/about.html (October 6, 2006). (3) Socinski M, Weissman C, Hart L, et al. A Randomized Phase II Trial of Pemetrexed/Cisplatin and Pemetrexed/Carboplatin in Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC), American Society of Clinical Oncology, Orlando, Florida, May 15 - 17, 2005, Abstract #7165. (4) Investigators Thatcher N, Socinski M, Smit E et al , Randomized Phase III Trial of ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) and Carboplatin versus Etoposide and Carboplatin in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer; April 13, 2006. This press release contains forward-looking statements about the potential of ALIMTA (pemetrexed) for the treatment of extensive-disease small cell lung cancer and reflects Lilly's current beliefs. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. There is no guarantee the product will receive regulatory approval for a further indication, or that it will continue to be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements. Eli Lilly and Company http://www.lilly.com Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=54705

Sarah I am so sorry about your mom's diagnosis. I am glad you are looking into a 2nd opinion and I pray that there will be a good course of treatment for her. Please remember to take care of yourself in all of this. It is so easy to get run down trying to cope with all of this. Keep posting and let us know how we can help. Sending prayers for you and your mom, Chris

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. This is so hard, I wish I could say more or at least find the words to make this easier. Hugs Chris

Hello netadmin Just adding my thoughts and prayers to the rest. You have gotten some very good advice here already. Please keep us posted on your MIL as you can and let us know how we can help. Chris

Hello Dawn and welcome You have gotten some great advice here already so I cannot add much more to that. I will say, stay positive and take things as they come. One day, hour, minute at a time. This can be and in most cases is a very overwhelming time. One great suggestion that I can offer you and mom is to get a small notebook and document EVERYTHING.. From appointments, to what the doctors tell you, tests, test results and most importantly, any and all questions you will have. The appts can be so much to take in that questions and concerns you may have are easily forgotten. Let us know how we can help you, even if it is only to listen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom, Chris

Andrea ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the waiting just stinks! Sending prayers and hugs and more prayers as well as tons of positive thoughts!! Love Chris

I cannot add to what has been said already. I just wanted to send you prayers of strength and let you know you are in my thoughts. I am so sorry you are in this position. Hugs Chris

Maryanne My prayers and positive thoughts are with you and Joel. Love and hugs Chris

Hello Liz and welcome So sorry you had reason to find a site such as this, but glad you have posted and told us about yourself Please let us know how we can help you along the way. My best to you, Chris

Thank you so much all of you who offered Meg and myself your prayers and support. Keep us in your prayers if you could and would as now we get to do that insanely infuriating and nerve wracking waiting game. grrrrr. Bottom line is the testing is over for now and I have her home, tired, a bit sore but glad to be done with this part. We thank you all so much Chris

Hi All I know this is not LC related and I do apologize for that. I really need some prayers for my daughter. Meg has been having stomach issues since the beginning of the summer. All of her tests have come back inconclusive and tomorrow she is undergoing an endoscopy and series of biopsies. I am hoping that you can spare a prayer for her. It would mean so much to her as well as myself and my family. Thank you. Chris

Hello Valorie and welcome Sending you tons of postive thoughts and prayers that this is NOT Lung cancer. However, if it is, you have found a terrific site to help you through. Please keep posting and let us know how we can help. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Chris

Kathleen I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. Please accept my sympathies and condolences as well as prayers for strength at this sad time. Hugs Chris

Nutbar Don't apologize. As Ry said, this whole cancer scene gets under our skin and it makes the little things that "normally" would never bug us, seem huge. We understand.... I am glad it worked out with your boss. Chris

Hi All I have just spoken to Darrell and he has asked me to give you all an update. As you know Darrell had recently finished the course of radiation and was feeling the effects of that still. He began Chemo this past week and apparently it was a bit too soon for this as he was not sufficiently recovered from the radiation. He is in the hospital currently receiving fluids and trying to regain his strength. He told me that his esophagus is just raw and he had been unable to eat or drink much since the weekend. He asked me to thank you all for your concern and prayers. Please keep them coming. My very best to you all, Chris

I cannot add a thing to the wonderful advice you have already gotten, nor will I even try. I just want you to know you and your mom and family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry about this situation. Please keep posting as you can and let us be here for you to lean on. Hugs, love and prayers, Chris

Key To Lung Cancer Chemo Resistance Revealed 15 Oct 2006 Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered how taking the brakes off a “detox” gene causes chemotherapy resistance in a common form of lung cancer. Products made by a gene called NRF2 normally protect cells from environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke and diesel exhaust by absorbing the materials and pumping them out of the cell. Another gene called KEAP1 encodes products that stop this cleansing process. But lung cancer cells sabotage the expression of these same genes to block assault from chemotherapy drugs. “What we're seeing is that lung cancer cells recruit and distort NRF2 and KEAP1 expression to help tumor cells evade the toxic effects of chemotherapy,” says Shyam Biswal, Ph.D., associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Kimmel Cancer Center, who published results of cell culture studies in the October 3, 2006 issue of PLoS Medicine. Past studies have shown that NRF2 detoxifies cells by directing proteins to absorb and pump out pollutants and chemicals. The NRF2 gene makes a “trigger” protein which starts the production of other proteins and enzymes that sweep the cell clear of toxins. To halt the detox process, proteins manufactured by KEAP1 bind to the NRF2 triggers tagging them for destruction. In cancer cells, NRF2 activity runs amok, sweeping away all cellular toxins, including chemotherapy agents. Biswal says that blocking NRF2 activity could improve the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, particularly platinum-based compounds widely used for lung cancer. In Biswal's study, half of 12 lung cancer cell lines and 10 of 54 tissue samples from non-small cell lung cancer patients had mutations in the KEAP1 gene rendering it inactive and unable to keep NRF2 activity in check. In addition, half of the tissue samples were missing one copy of the KEAP1 gene - cells usually have two copies of each gene. No missing genes or mutations were observed in normal lung tissues from the same patients. NRF2 activity along with its cleansing proteins and enzymes were higher in tumor samples than normal cells, according to the researchers. Their cell culture tests also show that cancer cells with KEAP1 mutations are more resistant to chemotherapy drugs than normal lung cells. Tumor samples with normal KEAP1 genes also show increased levels of NRF2 and its enzymes, suggesting other ways of dismantling KEAP1, such as splicing the gene to make a shortened, ineffective protein, he said. The researchers plan to confirm their findings with a larger set of samples and then to screen for appropriate drugs. Funding for the study was provided by the National Cancer Institute Lung SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Center, National Institute of Health, and the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institution. Co-authors include Anju Singh, Vikas Misra, Rajesh K Thimmulappa, Hannah Lee, Stephen Ames, Mohammad O. Hoque, James G. Herman, Stephen B. Baylin, David Sidransky, Edward Gabrielson and Malcolm Brock from Johns Hopkins. 1Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) 2Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions 901 S. Bond St., Ste 550 Baltimore, MD 21231 United States Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=54200

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Such wonderful news! Hugs Chris

Hello all I had a phone call from Darrell the day before yesterday. He is doing okay. He is still feeling the effects of radiation in his throat etc and he started chemo last Monday. Over all his attitude and outlook are great. I post updates when I can and will keep you all posted. Thank you and I will let him know you have all asked about him. Hugs Chris

Eppie, You are the cats meow! lol Thanks for the giggle. Hugs Chris