Gtx Treatment

View all Pancreatic Cancer Discussions Post A New Discussion

29 Posts | Page(s): 1 2 3 Next

Although my wife has only just begun her chemotherapy we are verty excited about the results of her treatment. I would encourage any patietn with Stage IV disease to seek ou an oncologist who is experienced with the GTX regimen. The results are exceptional and I believe they represent a significant stepforward for the treatmetn of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Quote | Reply

Mushroom

Do you know if gtx are contraindicated for patient with heart failure ? How long was the tx ? thanks

Quote | Reply

Oncrx

Patients with a history of myocardial infarction within the previous six months or congestive heart failure requiring therapy would probably not be eligable for GTX.

Quote | Reply

Whelan

oncrx I wrote in a few weeks ago concerning my dad who is in stage iv pancreatic cancer. He started with a clinical trial 3 weeks ago and was treated with genexol pm. This about was the end of him. He did not react well at all to this -- he was admitted to hospital after he passed out when his white blood count went extremely low. He has still not recovered from this chemo-- he became so weak he can barely walk and is still having lots of trouble finding the strength to stand for very long. He had very bad neurological side effects. He went off the trial and is being treated by anew onc closer to home who has put him on Gemzar. He has had one round of this just last Wed. and so far OK. But is this going to do anything to stop the growth of the cancer? He also had a ton of fluid buildup and as a result his heart rate skyrocketed probably trying to pump the fluid through his body. We do not know what is right anymore. We do not want him to live like he has for the past 6 weeks. Should we be trying anything else ? ANYTHING? And yes he is losing weight so very rapidly and he really is eating. We need any kind of answers--Please any help or suggestions wouldbe great. Thanks, whelan

Quote | Reply

Whelan

My dad has stage iv pc cancer which has metastisized in his lungs as well. He started on genexol pm and it did not go well at all. he is now just starting gemzar which i have heard does not do much for pc. Can you tell me a little bit about gtx therapy and how your wife is responding to it and where her cancer has spread to .We are trying to figure out what would be the best course of treatment for dad. Any info would be great. Thanks, Sarah

Quote | Reply

Oncrx

whelan As you discovered, paclitaxel can have some side effects. Gemzar should be better in that regard. In clinical trials of Gemzar, about a quarter of patients experienced clinical benefit. The probability of one-year survival was raised as well, from only 2% with the former mainstay of treatment of 5-FU , to 18% with Gemzar. Gemzar has also served as a building block for newer regimens, one of which is to combine it with other chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5-FU, cisplatin, and irinotecan. Combination therapy might be more effective, but each drug adds some degree of toxicity. Since these are not curative therapies, you have to balance the side effects versus improved quality of life. Combining Gemzar with Taxotere and Xeloda shows promise in clinical trials. Together, the “GTX” drugs, as they are known, are synergistic in their antitumor effects. A phase II study of GTX for advanced pancreatic cancer is already in place, and by next year there should be a phase III trial that assigns patients to GTX or Gemzar alone. Given your dads problems with side effects, I like the Gemzar plan. You are correct that it wont cure the cancer, but there have been some great results in term of quanity and quality of life. Its a tough time, but you will make it. Spend all the time you can together and cherish each moment you have left with him. God bless.

Quote | Reply

Lbd004

Hi- It's Lisa again. I hope you remember me, my mom was on the Genexol-PM study in Connecticut? If you recall that did not work for her, neither did Gemzar/Tarceva. But, I am happy to report, we just got the news. On the GTX schedule her cancer was reduced by 17% including the tumor on her pancreas. You might consider taking your dad to a major cancer center for a consultation, even if it's just once. I think it makes a big difference. Good Luck, be well. Lisa

Quote | Reply

Stefan

On Oct 27, 2006 12:00 AM Omfsathome wrote:
Although my wife has only just begun her chemotherapy we are verty excited about the results of her treatment. I would encourage any patietn with Stage IV disease to seek ou an oncologist who is experienced with the GTX regimen. The results are exceptional and I believe they represent a significant stepforward for the treatmetn of advanced pancreatic cancer.

hi, if anyone can help.

my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, its at the head of the pancreas and when a surgery was done on him they couldn’t remove it since its close to stomach. It didn’t metastasize any where else and the oncologist suggested to do the gtx. My question is does the gtx help to shrink the tumor so that we could undergo a successful surgery for cure.

thanks in advance

stefan

Quote | Reply

lisazl

My dad has been on the GTX protocol for 2 years! This has worked aazingly for him, as his numbers have returned to and stayed in the normal range...CT is still showing no tumpors IN or ON the pancreas. He was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer in Feb 2008 and was told he had a couple of weeks "if he was lucky" He wanted to fight, and was out all day Saturday planting a flower garden-so not only is he still here, he has QUALITY!

Stay strong and Keep fighting!!

Quote | Reply

rm466

I am new to this forum, my dad has stage 4 PC too. He was just diagnosed one month ago and while his surgeon had initially mentioned GTX as the likely course of action, the Oncologist has suggested a combo Cisplatin/Gemcitabine.. (scheduled to start wednesday)

I am reading so much here about this GTX? We went to a very reputable cancer center - I'm wondering why they didn't suggest that. Now looking into it, I'm seeing soo many different chemo drug names and combos, we want him to have the best we can get! I'm so confused!

Quote | Reply

29 Posts | Page(s): 1 2 3 Next