this seems like good news for those with the extremely resistant mutation.... T315i i have taken the following post from jerry's site and not that they mention hammersmith as a potential trial site.
best, sandy
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A good friend of mine who sees Dr. Giles at M. D. Anderson sent me this and asked me to post it. It is very good news for those with T315I.
Jerry
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Hi all. I had a good visit with Dr. Giles and Mary Alma on Tuesday this week at M.D. Anderson Dr. Giles has asked me to share some very important updated to the Global CML Community. I took notes fast and furiously so I can barely read my own handwriting so I hope I am sharing what he told me verbatim.
Trials are starting for the MK0457 drug (VX680). This drug is the only one at this point that is showing good results against the dreaded T3151 mutation. It looks VERY PROMISING per Dr. G. The drug is a bit unique - in that it is given intravenously at this time. The first patient was started on the drug in November of 2005. While it might take a few courses of the drug, they are seeing the T3151 mutation disappear. Dr. Giles said there is no doubt that there is strong clinical activity regarding this new compound.
Trials will be starting in a few months. He wants to the CML Community to know that if you have failed the BMS and AMN trials, you may be eligible. You can contact Dr. Giles via Mary Alma Welch - at mawelch@mdanderson.org. Mary Alma is his Physician's Assistant who can share additional information with you.
If I am understanding this correctly, the VX drug works on the JAK2 - and it appears there are indications that it can also treat myeloproliferative disease. Merck has found this new drug so promising that they have halted some other main line drug studies to get this compound to the forefront. That's a very good message from Merck that they are really looking at CML treatment which certainly isn't as common as other cancers like solid tumors. Hats off to Merck!
"Coming to a Medical Center near You" . . . if you are interested in this VX study, they are looking for patients. The following centers will be opening trials shortly:
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Houston - Dr. Francis Giles
Duke University - Durham, NC - Dr. Dave Rizeri
Frankfurt, Germany - Dr. Ottman (I believe he is a collegue of Dr. Hochhaus)
Hammersmith - London, UK - Dr. Jane Apperly
I hope I translated Dr. Gile's important message with as much accuracy as possible. This is exciting news for the CML community that there is an agent that looks VERY promising against this T315 mutation. Again, please feel free to contact Dr. Giles or one of the other doctors I've listed.
Hope this finds everyone doing well.
Barb Heathcote