CancerCompass message board discussion started by RM-Faith on 7/1/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25585,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ A family member was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma (vaginal) in Dec 05, at which time the mass was removed.  She then had an additional surgery, in Jan 06, to remove more tissue around the original tumor site.  She began taking Interferon (5 days/week for 4 weeks - followed with 3 days/week for 8 months).  In October, 2006 the disease had metastasized to the liver.  She was put on Temador from Jan 07 to Apr 07.  The next scan in Apr 07 showed the disease had spread to one lung and the original tumors had increased.  She began taking Taxol and Avastin in May 07 and the tumors began decreasing.  She was on Taxol and Avastin from May 07 to Apr 08.  The Apr 08 scan showed the Taxol and Avastin was not decreasing the tumors anymore.  She was then put on Carboplatin and had 2 treatments.  The Carboplatin caused a severe decline in her platelets, resulting in 2-3 platelet transfusions.  Her WBC and hemoglobin suffered as well.  She missed treatments due to the side effects.  Her last scan was the end of June 08 and her tumors had increased.  She has now been prescribed Gleevec.  She will take Gleevec for 2 months and then have another scan.  Does anyone have any information that you could share on mucosal melanoma???  If so, what treatments were given and their success???  Since this is such a rare form of cancer, very little information exists.  Any information (AND PRAYERS) would be greatly appreciated. RM-Faith Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Gleevec is supposed to be a very good drug provided that the patient has the correct gene mutation. A tissue sample is sent to the lab to determine whether the gene mutation is the correct one. Good luck! Stefhef Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT My wife is diag on 4/8/2008 Stg III anal melanoma (3.5mm depth). Had a WLE/Flap  and Sent node Trace which show left inguial node positive on 5/23/2008. Will start High dose Rad Therapy on 7/11/2008 for 6 weeks. Tumor is positive for c-kit and testing for deletion will be complete in 4wks. Will consider Gleevec at the end of radiation. Some Oncologists want to just wait and scan evey 3 months.  What's are you Oncologists recommending, what is the reaction to Gleevec and what are the side effects. Thanks     Robert617 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/10/2008 Robert617 wrote:My wife is diag on 4/8/2008 Stg III anal melanoma (3.5mm depth). Had a WLE/Flap  and Sent node Trace which show left inguial node positive on 5/23/2008. Will start High dose Rad Therapy on 7/11/2008 for 6 weeks. Tumor is positive for c-kit and testing for deletion will be complete in 4wks. Will consider Gleevec at the end of radiation. Some Oncologists want to just wait and scan evey 3 months.  What's are you Oncologists recommending, what is the reaction to Gleevec and what are the side effects. Thanks    My aunt has been on Gleevec for approx 3 weeks now.  The only side-effects have been reflux and mild sore throat.  It seems that encouraging reports are surfacing concerning this medication for treating mucosal melanoma.  We have been told that radiation is not useful in treating melanoma.  Good luck and God Bless You Both! RM-Faith Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT