Fay A. Posted January 20, 2005 Share Posted January 20, 2005 Figured I would answer here: Yes. I am a former smoker. I have a 9 pack year history. The docs at UCLA came up with that number because I did not smoke all the time, nor did I smoke heavily. And I didn't really 'track' the number of times I started and stoped. I guess you would call me a "social" smoker (former smoker, that is). But at some point between the time I stopped smoking while living in England and the time I quit in California I became an addict, even if I needed the fix only 3 times a day. Please note that up until I "quit" all other breaks in smoking were just 'stops'. The question was asked of me in the context of wondering if Tarceva would be effective for those who have a history of smoking. My belief is that Tarceva (and other EGFRI) will be effective if your cancer produces a specific protein. I've known way too many former smokers who have had good results with Iressa, and way too many never smokers who did not respond (all of these folks -both those who had responses and those who did not-had either Adenocarcinoma, or BAC, or Adeno with BAC Features). The key is whether or not the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor finds a specific molecule on your cancer cell to which it can attach itself. It's a bit like my family and elections. Half of us are Republicans and the other half are Democrats. We cancel each other out. Not a very scientific explanation, but it's my understanding of how it works. Has anyone checked to see if Harvard has come up with a test to see if one's cancer carries the proteins targeted by Tarceva? Is it the same protein that Iressa targets? Just wondering "aloud". I still can't believe it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted January 20, 2005 Share Posted January 20, 2005 Fay, Thanks for your answer. It's my understanding in order to test as to whether it will work, they have to have a biopsy. Thus, the hit or miss approach to treatment. I am encouraged to hear that you smoked and it still worked. I am hopeful that Charlie's cancer will respond, also. Thanks again and take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justakid Posted January 20, 2005 Share Posted January 20, 2005 It is my understanding the you have to have the EGF for Tarceva to be affective. My doctor had my wedge pulled from the freeze and have additional testing done to check for the EGF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted January 20, 2005 Share Posted January 20, 2005 Beth, Just wondering why he put you on it before getting the results of the testing? Especially since you are having such a hard time with it and other drugs? elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted January 20, 2005 Share Posted January 20, 2005 They can use the frozen section? I will have to check in to that. Thanks Beth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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