Clinical Trial - Charlie

[tnmynatt]

The insurance company has approved Charlie's appointment Tuesday at Vandy to get started with the clinical trial. He will be taking Targretin, which is a daily pill, which has been shown to be effective after Navelbine. It is not a chemo., but works some other way. I found this description on a web search:

Targretin ® (bexarotene) is a member of a subclass of retinoids that selectively activate retinoid X receptors (RXRs). These retinoid receptors have biologic activity distinct from that of retinoic acid receptors (RARs).

Ligand (Drug Co.) researchers believe that by binding to and activating RXR receptors, Targretin may help overcome a functional deficiency in tumor cells that is caused by low levels of RXR, and thereby delay tumor progression and improve survival.

It is already FDA approved for lymphoma. It is being tested with traditional chemo. and with the EGFR inhibitors. Matt posted (Thanks Matt) under "New Treatments...." about his clinical trial (http://lchelp.com/community/viewtopic.p ... =targretin), which is Targretin and Tarceva. Wish Charlie could get it in combination. But, we have to take what we can get. The ins. co. is so difficult.

Sorry if I bored you. This seems like a unique approach and wanted to share it with you.

Please pray for our safe trip (3 hrs. there, 3 hrs. back) on Tuesday and that nothing happens to keep him from getting started. Continuing to pray for you all and for a cure. Take care.

[ginnyde]

Dear Tina,

May you have 6 hours of unfettered travel. May the time spent at Vanderbilt be successful. We are due for some success and Charlie has our prayers.

[-Cheryl-]

Good luck Charlie and Tina. I hope all goes well with the trip and the trial!

Cheryl

[Elaine]

Tina

The trial sounds promising. I wish Charlie the best and hope all goes well on your trip.

love and fortitude

elaine

[stand4hope]

Tina,

I wish you and Charlie all the best! Isn't it exciting to grab onto something that gives even more hope. Have a safe trip and we'll see you when you get back.

Love,

Peggy

[SJAS]

Bore us??? Heavens Tina, I can't wait for your next posting. I pray with all my heart that this trial is the answer you've been looking for. Please continue to give us updates (with all that free time you have )

[dadstimeon]

Tina my thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and you for the best of results. Rich

[betplace]

Tina,

I am thrilled you got approval to be in this trial. Prayers going up that it works well for him. Plus sending hugs for all of you just because.

Blessings

Betty

[Donna G]

Have a safe trip . Waiting to hear how the appointment went . Donna G

[MJ]

hi tina,

i'm glad to hear that you have a new strategy to help beat this thing! i pray that you and charlie have a safe trip and that this trial is just what charlie needs. please keep us updated with how things are going.

God bless,

mj

[karen335]

Tina,

Prayers for you and Charlie on the road and the new meds to work for him. Always in my prayers. Keep us posted on how he is doing...

God Bless and prayers,

Karen

[MayFrog]

Wishing you a successful trip.....all my best wishes,

Mary

[Nushka]

Tina,

I hope this is just the ticket for Charlie. I hope your trip goes well and that Charlie gets started quickly and successfully. I'll keep you both in my prayers.

Nina

[tnmynatt]

Thanks everybody! Getting ready to head out. Have a good day!