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New Drug w/FDA Approval Based on Tumor Genetics
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Aug 18, 2019 - 1:15 am
The FDA just approved the 3rd type of genetically driven, "tissue agnostic" cancer treatment. Pembrolizuab (Keytruda) was the first. This article gives the details; an excellent reminder of how important genetic tumor testing is when developing a treatment plan. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-third-oncology-drug-targets-key-genetic-driver-cancer-rather-specific-type-tumor |
Joined: Jul 2018
Thanks, derMaus
I am always interested in the newest findings. Very promising.
Denise
Joined: Feb 2016
Great!
When I saw my oncologist this week she said she thinks there will be many exciting new drugs in the immune therapy area in the next year. Reassuring the hope that I never will have to go on chemo again.
Joined: Feb 2018
Thank you!
So excited to see the rapid advancement of new therapies. Not so excited to see that list of common side effects. Whew!
Joined: Jul 2019
Totally agree!
Glad to see the new therapies being approved but in reading that, I have to hope that my tests don't come back showing that's my only shot...
Joined: Jul 2018
You have to admit that if side effects kept us
from treatment, no one would have surgery, chemo. radiation, or what ever is new today. We all roll the dice and hope we won't be the one affected. The way I see it is that I already lost the first roll by getting cancer, but the obvious surivival path is to weigh the odds and make a decision from there. I really don't care if something is going to save my life, I care a lot if something is going to make me miserable for what time I have left. We are all just rolling the dice and hope we made the right decisions.
Denise
Joined: Oct 2015
I'm with you, Denise. Quality
I'm with you, Denise. Quality of life is more important to me than quantity. I remember my oncologist/gynecologist arguing with my GP trying to get me to have "at least one more chemo." Thank heavens I didn't or I doubt I would still be on this earth unless it was pushing up daisies.
That being said, I am still excited to see these new treatments with more on the horizon. I still hope that in my lifetime they will find a cure for cancer!
Love,
Eldri
P.S. Bobbi, how are you doing??
Joined: Jun 2016
Love you dearly!
You are such a treasure they way you keep contributing what you find and experience with all of us. Never doubt that your presence here has a big and lasting impact. You are a big reason why I keep bringing up genetic and genomic testing with new comers. The way the science keeps changing so fast is reason for hope, but it sure helps to have a group effort keeping up with it all.
Joined: Nov 2016
Awww....thank you, MAbound. I
Awww....thank you, MAbound. I'm happy if anyone can benefit from my experience as a human Guinea pig...oops, I mean lucky recipient of cutting edge therapies.
Joined: May 2019
Thank you so much for your
Thank you so much for your research and sharing it with the people on this Board. You make it so accessible! Bless you!
Joined: Mar 2013
Agree with you MA, I'm a
Agree with you MA, I'm a deMaus fan too.
Joined: Oct 2017
Thank you for posting this,
Thank you for posting this, derMaus. Isn't NTRK evolo58's mutation? I wonder if she is aware of this treatment. Evolo, let us know how things are going with your current treatment.
Hulya
Joined: Jun 2018
Thanks for keeping us updated
Yes lovely to hear of new drugs that can help in this fight with cancer! Thanks Bobbi for posting the link. I will talk to my Gyn/Onc about it next visit. Must get my genomic test out again and look to see which mutations I have. xoxo
Joined: Jul 2019
It is great to hear the
It is great to hear the updates. Maybe my insurance company will read the news and actually approve me for genomic testing. A recurrence and metastasis after six years and now disease progression after radiaton and a LOT of chemo, but no, they don't think I need the testing, because "it won't affect my treatment or outcomes."
Maybe what I need is a new insurance company, but I can't even change that until next year.
Joined: Feb 2016
Genomic testing
Generally the testing companies are very generous and have sliding scale payment plans. If that’s an issue, you might want to contact them. And are you sure your insurance won’t pay? Before you pay anything you might want to submit it and go through the appeal process if they deny. It’s a hassle but it’s a hassle for them too. You also could appeal to your state insurance department if they deny. I’d say it would be worth it.
Joined: Jul 2019
Yes, I got denied
They approved testing for microsatellite instability only. Yes, I'm going to appeal. So infuriating, though, and time-wasting!
Joined: Mar 2017
appeal
Foundation One is appealing on my behalf for coverage from my insurance company. If they don't get results then I will appeal. They'll probably get tired of me! But even if they continue to deny, I've been approved by Foundation One for 80% coverage of the testing anyway.