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Combined Therapy as Tx for CML - Anything new??

Hi,
In 2008, some reports came out addressing "quiescent CML stem cells" that are "impervious to BCR/ABL inhibitor therapy".

Those studies seemed to recommend that a combined therapy, a cocktail of different meds, would work better against resistance and to keep that "quiescent stem cell" shut down.

Has anything come out regarding combining meds for better results? Any studies out there? The idea seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.

Just hoping that somebody has heard something in 2009...

Regards,

Tracey

This sounds like Tessa Holyoake in Glasgow's "GIMI" trial who was trying to bring CML cells out of quiescence. 3 arm study with a)continuous Glivec, b)glivec "holiday" 1 week out of 4, c)same as b) + GcSF (growth factor) injections in the week off Glivec to try to bring these cells out of quiescence & back into the cell cycle. All patients were potentially in the study for 12 months.The results have been analysed & published, showing no apparent benefit in either of the 2 experimental arms. Don't think she has any plans to expand on this so far.Not sure if any other investigators taking this theory forward.....

Thanks so much. It would be wonderful if a combined therapy or a cocktail would work one day to eradicate CML entirely. My 11 y/o (with CML) has decided to become a scientist, so maybe one day he'll pick up this issue...
Tracey

I asked my consultant about a Dasatinib/Nilotinib/other cocktail but the drug costs put it out of reach(NICE would have a fit)