A Study in Studies...

Monday, September 17, 2007, con't

One of the many benefits of being at The James is the availablilty of a special study being conducted with individuals diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma/lukemia. The experimental (research) portion of the treatment or procedure is the use of Rituximab in the treatment of Burkitt's. The study is directed by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer and Lukemia Group B (CALGB). About 100 people will take part in it, two or three per year at OSU.

Jodi is the RN coordinating my participation in the study, and she spent a good bit of time explaining things to Carol and me. The good news is that the six treatments after this initial round may only last two weeks each (instead of three), which could shorten the whole process by a month and a half! But, as Jodi made clear, the time involved will be intense. Burkitt's is agressive; tumors can grow like crazy, and it tries to spread rapidly, especially targeting the spinal cord and the brain. That explains why I was admitted so quickly...

For those of you who are into details, the medicines involved include:

• Treatment Module A: (Course I)Allopurinol (a supportive durg, not a therapy drug) Cyclophosphamide Prednisone
• Treatment Module B: (Courses II, IV, VI) Ifosfamide Mensa Methotrexate Leucovorin Vincristine Ara-C Etoposide Dexamethasone Filgrastim (C-CSF) Rituximab And through a lumbar puncture or spinal tap: Methotexate Ara-C Hydrocortisone
• Treatment Module C: (Courses III, V, VII) Cyclophosphamide Mehtotrexate Leucovorin Vincristine Doxorubicin Dexamethasone Filgrastim Rituximab And through a lumbar puncture or spinal tap: Methotexate Ara-C Hydrocortisone

Whew.

By all accounts, Burkitts can respond to treatment as quickly as it grows. Jodi cites a cure rate of 75-80%, and I'll take those odds any day. If, however, we're not successful, we won't really get a second chance, since it's known to come back with a vengence.

Frankly, the study is something I know so little about, that I must place my full faith in the recommendations of the professionals (including Science Advisor Adel, who consulted on our decision). I am grateful for the technical creativity and dedication that went into the development of each and every drug, even if I don't know what they do (or how to pronounce them). But more than any discovery of man, we will continue to rely on the mercy of the Great Physician.

We're just a passenger on this adventure, and we're definitely on our way.

Comments

[Patrick Pope]

Those medicines are pretty big words, but the prognosis is encouraging! You're in God's hands, as well as his servants at OSU. If you need donors--bone marrow...or even replacement abdominal and gluteal fat--give me a call! Prayers are lifted, p2

[robin lorms]

In our prayer time the Lord seems to be saying that He will give strength for today and hope for tomorrow so draw on the One who can do all things that strengthen us. In a way it may be a blessing to have the process accelerated since before you know it BAM you, Carol and the kids are in the game--kind of like getting in a cold swimming pool--one can tipsy toe in or just jump and get it over with. Welcome to the deep end!!

Thank you Lord Jesus for the example of great courage you displayed at your times of great testing. Let us recall His acceptance of the tribulaltion and suffering as a source of encouragement for our brother Marsh. Holy Spirit give us peace and rest tonight so we can endure our next steps. We love you most holy and gracious Father along with Your precious Son and our Comforter most Holy Spirit.