Small Bowel Cancer

Hello .... I have had small cell colorectal cancer twice-initially in 2/03 and then a return of cancer in 2/05 to the outside of the rectal wall. The first time around I had chemo (carbo platin and VP16) and radiation. The second time I had surgery with internal brachy (sp?) radiation, then two sessions of chemo. I don't recall offhand what type of med was used for chemo the second time around but it was drastic enough to instigate a c-diff infection from which I almost died and put me into hospice care for about 6 months. Since it's been coming back every two years, I am really happy that my last colonoscopy (results 2 weeks ago) came back clear. Life is so-so. Have been put on disability primarily for bowel issues--is a constant, unpredictable battle. I am here to chat about that issue, which is the good news. But it's a challenge nonetheless.
Is this of any assistance to you? I wish you luck and a healthy outlook!

For information about treatment of, and recuperation from, rare cancers affecting the digestive system, visit http://www.pmppals.org
This site includes a wide variety of resources, including specialists, surgical treatments, chemotherapies, gastrectomies, ostomies and more!

Leahi said:

Hello .... I have had small cell colorectal cancer twice-initially in 2/03 and then a return of cancer in 2/05 to the outside of the rectal wall. The first time around I had chemo (carbo platin and VP16) and radiation. The second time I had surgery with internal brachy (sp?) radiation, then two sessions of chemo. I don't recall offhand what type of med was used for chemo the second time around but it was drastic enough to instigate a c-diff infection from which I almost died and put me into hospice care for about 6 months. Since it's been coming back every two years, I am really happy that my last colonoscopy (results 2 weeks ago) came back clear. Life is so-so. Have been put on disability primarily for bowel issues--is a constant, unpredictable battle. I am here to chat about that issue, which is the good news. But it's a challenge nonetheless.
Is this of any assistance to you? I wish you luck and a healthy outlook!

The drug referred to below is only available via the FMF’s Compassionate Use Program so if other treatments are unsuccessful you could contact them and try it. It is a hormone antagonist and quite well tolerated as meds go:

Their website link is:
http://feminist.org/rrights/compassionateuse.asp


2004: Effects of mifepristone on proliferation of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901 in vitro.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15309708&itool=iconfft&query_hl=20&itool=pubmed_docsum
Mifepristone effectively inhibited the proliferation of PR-positive human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901 in vitro through multiple mechanisms, and may be a beneficial agent against human adenocarcinoma

2004: (Detailed article) Reversal of multidrug resistance in drug-resistant human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/VCR by antiprogestin drug mifepristone
http://www.thymic.org/thypdf/biol/mif2.pdf


2004: Reversal of multidrug resistance in drug-resistant human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/VCR by antiprogestin drug mifepristone
http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/abstract_en.asp?v=10&f=1722
Mifepristone has potent reversal effect on MDR in SGC7901/VCR via inhibiting the function of MRP and P-gp, modulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, and enhancing the sensitivity to anticancer agent VCR


2004: Inhibitory effects of mifepristone on the growth of human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 in vitro and in vivo.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15669177&itool=iconabstr&query_hl=20&itool=pubmed_docsum
Mifepristone exerts significant growth inhibitory effects on PR-positive human MKN-45 gastric cancer cells via multiple mechanisms, and may be a beneficial agent against the tumor.


2004: Effects of mifepristone on invasive and metastatic potential of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line MKN-45 in vitro and in vivo.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15188494&dopt=
• “Mifepristone can effectively inhibit the invasive and metastatic potential of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line MKN-45 in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of heterotypic adhesion to basement membrane, cell migration and angiogenesis.”

2003: Glucocorticoid Cotreatment Induces Apoptosis Resistance toward Cancer Therapy in Carcinomas1
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/63/12/3112

GCs are widely used in high doses in the therapy of leukemias and lymphomas and are also used as antiemetics or preservatives for normal cells during chemotherapy of solid tumors. In addition, GCs are among the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we have shown that application of GCs renders certain tumors resistant or less susceptible to apoptosis after cancer therapy. This finding urges to carefully reconsider the widespread use of GCs in almost all treatment protocols for patients with solid cancers. In the clinical setting of cancer therapy, e.g., in antiemetic regimens, corticosteroids are usually given transiently to suppress acute side effects of cancer therapy. Although our experiments did not mimic precisely the clinical situation because we administered DEX daily to achieve steady-state levels, short-term exposure to DEX may nevertheless be sufficient to abrogate or diminish the efficacy of concomitant chemotherapy in cancer patients in vivo. This is suggested by our experiments where DEX was found to down-regulate basal and cisplatin-induced expression of apoptosis effectors within 24 h in vitro. Also, endogenous levels of GCs and those existing as a consequence of administered hormones may render solid tumors less susceptible to apoptosis after cancer therapy. The administration of steroid/receptor agonists such as RU486 might be beneficial before chemotherapy and radiotherapy to enhance cell death of solid tumor cells

rickshiver said:

small bowel cancer

new to this. 3 years ago was diagnosed with colon cancer and was surgically remove. no further treatment required. 5 weeks ago diagnosed with small bowel cancer. this a cancer so rare that there is no protocol for treatment. 12" of small intestine removed and nodes and surrounding area were clean . My oncologist wants me to do six months of chemo and have genetic testing done. chances of recurrence are high. survival rate not great. anyone else going through this?

Very old thread

Hi, Rick.  It's highly likely that the originators of this post are no longer active, as this is a very old thread.  My suggestion is that you get to a cancer speciality center, and ask about HIPEC options.  Other than that, protocol sounds reasonable. A HS friend of mine just went to UPMC for treatment for Small Bowel Cancer.

My cancer is also quite rare - Appendix Cancer.  I go to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.