Next Chemo Options

For my next Chemo options my doctor is suggesting two Clinical Trials that he 'likes.' I'm curious if anyone has had any experience with them? They are:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01574716

Sarcoma Study of MORAb-004 Utilization: Research and Clinical Evaluation - This one combines the therapy of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel with MORab-004.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01567163

A Study of Ramucirumab and Docetaxel in Patients With Solid Tumors -

I've never had the Gemcitabine & Docetaxel chemo before, and was expecting that to be my next option. I think combining it with a this tumor recognizing MORab-004 would be a good option, but it's double blind, so I would be in the same situation as taking Gemcitabine & Docetaxel, and have to hope I don't get a placebo. Could anyone share there experience with Gemcitabine & Docetaxel? Also, anyone on this trial?

I haven't heard anything about Ramucirumab and Docetaxel, anyone else have experience with it?

Keep up the fight!

MORab-004 is very interesting because it targets endosialin which seems to be expressed in many synovial sarcoma. Here an earlier blog about this trial:

http://forum.synovialsarcomasurvivors.org/profiles/blogs/morab004-clinical-trial

The second trial is phase II but I couldn't find a phase I with the combination, only with ramucirumab alone:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20048182

Gemcitabine + Docetaxel (also known as gemzar + taxotere) is not very efficient for SS but some people get a few months stability out of this combination and it is standard second line chemotherapy.

Thanks for featuring this discussion post, Elodie!

Our doctor suggested this trial as well. I don’t think (never say never) my husband will participate though. Right now his focus is on quality of life with whatever time is left. Having any kind of chemo just does not fit that scenario for him. He disease is fairly advanced and was so at diagnosis, and every treatment he has done has landed unusual and rarely seen side effects, so at this point he’s not willing to give up any “good days”. He’s just has too much taken away from this disease.

Hi Adam

At this point I would not do any other chemo treatments. I would go to Mexico where the cure rates are much higher than the US. They use treatments that are out lawed here in the US because they would not be able to patent them and make money for big Pharma. The first one I would recommend is Dr. Gilberto Alvarez at Stella Maris Clinic Phone 800-■■■■■■■■, e-mail ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/ website www.stellamarisclinic.com There are several Dr'.s I would recommend Dr. Rodriguez, M.D. at International Bio Care Hospital. phone 800-■■■■■■■■ e-mail ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Website : www.biocarehospital.com. The cost is about 5000/ week and usually its a 3 week stay. Some American insurances cover this. If you get the hyperthermia treatments it might be slightly higher. After I was cured I would look into The Gerson Institute. www.gerson.org so you can be cancer free for the rest of your life. God Bless.

Synovial Mom

Synovial Mom

We have just received the bad news that my sons cancer has returned for the 4th time. We are looking at test drugs as well now. Can you let me know more history on your treatments in Mexico?

I am so sorry to hear that you received more bad news. My son had SS in the knee. He tried the most advanced chemo and 35 rounds of radiation. He was treated at Sloan Kettering. He also tried a vaccine therapy at Mary Crowley cancer center in Dallas. They made the vaccine from one of his tumors but this did not work either. He had various surgeries and a final amputation but the cancer went to his lungs and we never made it to Mexico. I have heard of at least ten people with various stage 4 cancers that were cured in Mexico after they were given no hope here . I know that the Amish go to Mexico for cancer treatments because they do not like to use un natural treatments and because it is more affordable since they don't have insurance. The clinics are suppose to be clean and safe and they are manned by certified staff. If I had to do over I think I would try Mexico before anything else.I also recommend reading Suzanne Somers book Nockout. She gives names of Dr's here that are using other treatments with success. At this point I would not do any more chemo or maps with chemo. May God bless you and Adam with wisdom ,strength, and healing.

Synovial Mom

I agree with you. If we had to do it all over again, knowing what we know now, I think we would do a lot differently, including alternatives. Someone mentioned treatment in Mexico to me and I dismissed it, but now I’d think twice.

It is sad when people regret their treatment decision. No matter what path you choose, you shouldn't look back. There is no way to know whether you would have fared better if you had chosen a different way. Life is like a lottery anyway.

I think the looking back is a very common part of the stages of grief based upon the reading I have done. It’s very “normal” to second guess. I have many days where I say what if any one of the treatments we did worked? We had to try and fight, and in being honest, we probably would have done nothing different but expect to beat the odds. I guess this is where the “life is a lottery” comes into play in hoping to bet the odds.

Thanks. I have been looking into the treatments in Mexico for some time now. We are fixing to start on Tivantinib this week but I’m going to be calling the Hospitals in Mexico to discuss more.

My niece did this one -Gemcitabine and Docetaxel with MORab-004. It did nothing to slow the growth. I would not do it. Keep strong!

Ziasper,

I'm sorry to hear it didn't work for your niece. Thank you for the information.

i tried Gemcitabine for about 3 month. not combin it with others.

and its no effect.