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News from Basil in South Africa

Hi to all,

Just a short note to those following my progress off Gleevec.
I discontinued taking Gleevec due to a few nasty side effects which I endured during my journey on Gleevec.
Although I had a number of positive results after stopping Gleevec at the end of April 2009, the last 5 have been negative. The positive results were very marginal and did not show an upward trend.
My QRT-PCR test dated 4 September 2012 came back BCR-ABL 9-22 "not detected"
The detection limit for this specimen = 0.0011%
The test is adjusted to meet the International Standard.
I am now tested every 6 months.
So my good friends this now makes it 40 months off Gleevec or any other TKI's.

I wish you all my blessings with your treatment against CML. It is sometimes very difficult to live with and understand why some have better responses than others, but never loose hope. My dream is that a total cure is a reality, and not in the too distant future.
Kindest wishes to all,
Your friend in South Africa.

Hi Basil,

Once again its so great to hear your progress off TKI's.

I am so happy for you and wish you a happy 40 month anniversary.

Thanks for the update and all the best to you
Lynn

Hey Basil.... that great news! and more evidence that for some individuals, TKI therapy is somehow is potentially curative.

As researchers learn more about the mechanisms that are at play with certain people- like you- who seem to be able to maintain long term MMR at very low (sometimes undetectable) levels after a period of TKI therapy, we will see a more sophisticated use of targeted therapy - and maybe not only for CML!

Best wishes to you and congratulations for persuading your doctor to support your in your very own STIM trial over 3 years ago.

BTW: are your results included in any kind of trial/study data?

Sandy