You are here

Dr Brian Druker Interview with NY Times

Sandy, I know you posted this as a story, but having read the article felt i had to post a comment. For those of us diagnosed post inmatinib , its an article like this, that reminds one of the revolution in CML treatment brought about by Imatininb and 2nd generation drugs, compared to the prognosis with CML prior to 2000. I know the path can be rocky even with Imatinib and other 2nd generation drugs but one feels in with a fighting chance of beating the disease and turning it into a chronic problem to survive with. What a massive massive vote of thanks we all owe Dr D. !!!!

Regards to all posters

Andy

Very good article Andy. Pre Glivec days were very bleak indeed. Apart from the Flu-like symptoms of Interferon, there was a much wors side effect, - depression. It was a well known and accepted side effect and I remember one consultant asking me whether I had thought about suicide! It wasn't a suggestion [lol], he simply knew the effects of Interferon. Apart from that, some of us took part in experimental autologous stem cell transplants, which were of the same protocol as a bone marrow transplant. Seven weeks in isolation, intense Chemotherapy and some long term after effects - and then told pretty soon after that the leukaemia had returned and there was no other treatment available.

Bad days, but I only recall them here to demonstrate how very, very fortunate we CML patients really are. The advances in CML treatment are a miracle for most of us.

Sorry - double post.

Dear Andy and Dennis,

I agree with all you have said. We are so fortunate to have been able to benefit by the research that Brian Druker drove forward. I was treated by him in the initial trials of what was then called STI 571 back in August 1999 and hold him in high esteem... both as a doctor/researcher and as a human being. The world needs more people like him.

Sandy