25th infusion

Our smarter members are probably more exact when answering this question. Take what I say loosely.

Research identified a molecule on our T-cells responsible for telling the T-cells (which is part of our immune system which attacks foreign viruses, bacteria, or cancer cells.) to die off when they do not have a target to destroy. Called "Programmed die off."  Next time invading cells get detected, our immune system produces killer cells and they repeat the process. Again, when they complete their job, they have nothing to do, and die. Some cancer cells have the ability to initiate this die off which allows them (cancer cells) to protect themselves. They grow and prosper. ( everyday, we have hundreds of normal cells reproducing with errors which can become cancer.)

Alright to this point?

Researchers found a molecule that can bind with the T-cell blocking it's programmed die off. MDX-1106, is one of them. It is an "Antibody" that can be produced in the lab. Now this T-cell remains active, and continues it''s job in destroying foreign cells (at least in the case of some kidney, skin,lung, prostate and hopefully some other cancers, this is showing promise.) The cancer cells become vulnerable and get destroyed. In our case, it is being studied for "Clear Cell Renal cancer."

In developing a plan to try this discovery on people, they call the early stage of experiments on people "Phase 1". The phase 1 trial was to determine safe dosage to be used. I guess the dose of 10 milligrams per killigram of bodyweight is the "high" dose deemed safe at this time. This is what I am on. They also use .3, and 2 milligrams per killigram of body weight in their experiments.

That being determined, they set new goals. They assigned people to recieve one of these 3 doses and will follow their response for up to several years depending on their response and side effects. This is "Phase 1b."

Now here are important points.

1, it doesn't work for everyone. So far about a 30+/- % response rate is being shown. Some have had complete response. Some partial. some no response. Why? They are looking at this. It will help to determine designer drugs in our future. I don't know what they are considering my response rate. Certainly partial so far.

2. Long term side effects are not known. This is the risk we take. In my case I was looking at death anyway. So to me every risk was worth the try. Some people have had complications resulting in death. Pnuemonitis is one. Maybe heart, liver, thyroid, or allergic reactions may happen. Some side effects are anticipated. Obviously, many are unforseen.

How many other phases will there be? Don't know. I don't think there is a specified number. They probably make it up as they go until the efficacy is worth the research and risks. But there is so much promise of this being a potential cure, or at least the potential to keep some cancers at a treatable and chronic condition, approvals may be pushed faster than many drugs are given. After all, it is life or death. Not heartworm. Of course it has to be a money maker for the drug companies or will be dropped in a heartbeat.

This is a condensed version and roughly accurate. But in any case, Boy, am I lucky or what? My response is great. Side effects are not even worth mentioning. Some aches, pains, skin dryness. Maybe just my old age. Time will tell.

The biggest message I'd like to share is for people to be more open to participating in clinical trials. Maybe 10% try unproven treatments. Too low a number considering most other treatments will probably fail with time. There are indications for each choice. We need to stay informed. We need to stay alive for the next great thing. When this was offered to me, I was not aware of it. Obviously my previous Drs. didn't know enough either.