University of Utah Huntsman Institute TAK-700 Clinical trial

Old Salt said:

Pessimistic about TAK-700

I am surprised that trials with TAK-700 are ongoing since Takeda has stopped development of the drug. Moreover, as Vasco pointed out, the drug failed in an important earlier trial. And, relevant to Dr Agarwal's trial discussed in this thread, there are significant side effects.

I hate to rain on your parade, but please be aware that a trial is just that. A positive outcome is by no means guaranteed.

I still wish that the drug would help you personally, even when the overall outcome of the trial may not be successful. But be aware of the side effects that have been identified in the earlier (failed) trial.

The original TAK-700 trial was using it solo from what I understand, not in conjunction with Lupron. Takeda quit making it but another company, Millenium Pharmaceuticals has picked it up. As I mentioned in my later posts, this is a trial of combination use and DR. Agarwal says he has good success with many on the ongoing combo therapy with 3 years and counting of 0.0 PSA.

I know my cancer can no longer be cured (yet) but if newer therapies can buy me many more years, why not try it.  Thanks for your interest and concern. It is appreciated.

Well Back from HCI and on Lupron and TAK-700. Baseline PSA 5.2 (down from 6.8 1 week ago.) So far, no side effects other than a little fatigue. No dietary restrictions other than cut out as much sugar as possible, and just a moderation based balanced diet recommended. No Tobacco...a given. Calcium and Vitamin D3 daily. Zometa will start in 1 month after a dental checkup. Radiation consult happening today and will probably begin in a week or so.

VascodaGama said:

Rads over rads is complicated

Now you are at peace. Somehow when at the begining of a treatment we have that feeling of accomplishment. Then we become curious when the first results are out. And then there will be the time we worry about any success (Is it enough? did I managed to kill it?).

Regarding the added radiation, I do not understand the logic in having it to decrease the prostate size. Better if it included a full dose to kill the cancer too. I would recommend you to get a copy of the planning/field/scope because it may influence possibilities of any future attack to treat a recurrence. Rads over rads is not recommended if the applied dose reaches the limits of tissue's absorption, and radiation would be your prefered salvage therapy.

Best wishes for success.

VG

   

Met the radiation oncologist today. He is a little curious about the limited rads ordered as well and explained the difficulty of future rads, but apparently it has to do with the parameters of the clinical trial. Apparently there is a protocol to be followed to stay qualified. He is going to consult with the lead radiation oncologist at Huntsman who has treated people in the same clinical trial as I am in to see what the logic and procedure is. They probably want to be sure that improvement from the drug cannot be confused with improvement from the radiation. I will let you know.

Lupron with TAK-700 combo seems to be working. PSA down from 5.2 to 3.1 in a month. Testosterone level .0...almost all shut down. Side effects are a hassle but I manage to push thru and still work. Other blood work all in normal range for my condition. Discussed starting Effexor but was asked to wait if possible until my 2nd lupron injection to see if my system will adjust at all on it's own. Hot flashes are moderate to strong and irritability on the rise some.(thank gosh for understanding co-workers...lol.) Fatigue has been mitigated by adjusting the times I take my TAK-700 to the least physically demanding times of my day. Improving on my diet....much more fruit and veggies, less sugar and processed foods. And the saga continues...

foamhand

VascodaGama said:

Congratulations

Congratulations. So far you are the winner. Lower PSA (meaning a control on the cancer) and accommodated life style in spite of the treatment side effects. The lower testosterone (castrate levels) also verifies the success of the therapy in knocking down the cancer. I would substitute any pill (antidepressant) by a series of physical exercises. Daily walks and aerobics are known to counter depressive moods.

Best wishes for still lower PSA.

VG

Hi VG, The Effexor is to reduce hot flashes, not necessarily for depression although maybe an added benefit. I guess the Effexor has an effect on the brain's temperature regulator, supporting it in the absence of testosterone. They said they would prefer to use it rather than progesterone (Megastrol) It doesn't eliminate them but studies show a 50%+ reduction in hot flashes in men.

VascodaGama said:

Stressful exercises was good for me

Thanks for the info. I usually try first stress physical exercises instead of pills. It has worked for me for the hot flashes. The worse side effect from leuprolide was fatigue and lost of libido. I managed to get into sex but the willingness wasn't there. Mood changes occured at the two months period, then gone.

Best wishes,

Thanks, VG. At my job I get quite a bit of walking / lifting exercise. I make Almond Toffee with a one of a kind toffee making machine here in Colorado USA. The candy line is about 75ft long one way and makes a U-turn back so I repeatedly walk (a fast walk) 150ft or so several times an hour for 6-8 hours each day. I also have to load the machine with butter which comes in 55 lb. blocks and I have to lift, unwrap and load 2 of them into the machine every 15-20 min. for 4-6 hours of my day. I also climb up and down a 8ft ladder several times an hour to check part of the machine. I walk my dog twice a day on weekends for about a mile each time and it's a brisk walk as my dog is high energy. I feel I am reasonably active. My main concern is being cordial with my co-workers during hot flashes which also trigger mood swings. The women seem to understand...lol. Hopefully this will subside or can be dealt with by the Effexor.

One concern was raised at Huntsman during my last checkup...I mentioned I was lifting those large blocks of butter and the clinician, (a nurse / practicioner under Dr. Agarwal, not the doc himself) said lifting those large blocks was more than he would like to see me lift, but he did not say I couldn't do it. I hope this doesn't present a problem with my work in the near future. I expect to have to go on disability eventually but would like to get in a few more years working if possible. Anyway, I'm just taking it one day at a time for now. I'll report again after Sept. 12th visit to Huntsman. Take care.

Just returned from my last visit from Huntsman and PSA drop wasn't nearly as dramatic as previous visits. Went from 1.5 to just a 1.2,(maybe due to my still having my cancerous prostate) but they were satisfied and said as long as it doesn't start upward again I'm OK. They have switched me from monthly visits to 3 month visits since I need Lupron shots every 3 months and to get re-supplied with my TAK-700. Hot flashes have intensified somewhat with my second Lupron shot, (they were getting a little better) but hopefully they will settle down again.

Liver toxicity has dropped, ALT down from 172 to 66. Culprit seemed to be a multi-vitamin that was too much for my liver, and not the TAK-700.

So far still a success. I will report if anything changes and check in occasionally. 

Hope everyone on here is having personal success of their own.

foamhand.