Resistance to Sutent

Mookies Mom
Mookies Mom Member Posts: 13 Member
edited March 2014 in Kidney Cancer #1
Just had a follow-up for my husband's RCC (undefined with translocation 11.2xp) and found lymph node growth and spread to lung & stomach. We think that he is starting to become resistant to Sutent. I have read in many articles and message boards that on average this seems to happen after about 12 months of treatment. He's been on Sutent since April/May 2010. Just wondering if there is anyone else out there that has experienced Sutent resistance. How long were you on Sutent? Was it is your 1st line defense treatment after nephrectomy? How did you find out? Looking back, were there any warning signs that Sutent was starting to fail (increase in side effects compared to previous cycles, increased pain)? What was the next step with your doctor (more scans, changed prescribtion, etc)? What treatment did you start after Sutent failed? Was it successful and for how long? What are the side effects while on the second line treatment?
We have more scans in 6 weeks to see if there is any more growth and to determine if we need to change our treatment plan. Are we waiting too long?
Be honest! I've seen, read, and heard a lot over the past 12 months; there is no need to sugar coat. Thanks for your help.

Comments

  • clbl77
    clbl77 Member Posts: 6
    #2
    my mom
    My mom was on Sutent for 4 months and she became resistant. Her metastisis was to a mediastinal lymph node and her brain (which was found before she started the Sutent). She had the lymph node removed. When they found the brain mets, they started her on Sutent. When she realized the Sutent wasnt working she started to have symptoms from the brain mets and just a general feeling that something wasn't right. She went in for an MRI and they found that the Sutent wasn't working; her brain tumors had grown. They switched her to Torisel that same day, but also mentioned Votrient as another therapy. Torisel is a weekly infusion and Votrient is the most similar to Sutent.

    Sutent was her third form of treatment. She did Interleukin 2, then whole brain radiation, then Sutent. I'm not sure which types of treatment your husband has done, but there are others: Votrient, Avastin, Nexavar, Torisel, and Interleukin.

    I cannot tell you if you are waiting too long; I can tell you and your husband that if you don't feel comfortable with what the doctors are suggesting then speak to them about it. Insist on earlier scans. You do have a say in what happens. It has taken me a while to realize this through caring for my mother. Trust in yourselves and each other and be sure you trust your doctor. I am always reluctant to respond because I don't want to scare anyone with my mother's story, but I hope this helps.

    I wish you the best! I hope you get the answers you are looking for and I will keep you and your husband in my prayers!

    Christina

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