3 replies to this topic

[roamingdoc83]

Anyone Cycling their use of Gleevec?

I read recently that a few studies were being done with "one month on, one month off" use of Gleevec?

 

Anyone?

[r06ue1]

I would never do that, reduced dosage or stop altogether would be my preference.

[roamingdoc83]

Intermittent -  http://www.nature.co...bcj201575a.html

 

I was 'off' completely for 19 months but it was not successful. Side effects for 'me' on the intermittent are greatly reduced during the off period however 'when on', while no more severe than normal, it is perhaps comparitively more noticed.

Need to do a BCR but cannot afford it right now. Just wondering if anyone had seen this report (there are indeed several such studies).

Thanks.

 

 

http://www.cancernet...ly-cml-patients

[scuba]

It is noteworthy that the same number - 50% - achieved success on the intermittent strategy (one month on - one month off) as those who stopped completely after 2 years PCRU.

 

The concept of "minimum effective therapy" is interesting as another tool to manage side effects. For 50% of patients who are not PCRU, but have low residual disease measureable (MMR), this approach has merit. This is especially true for older patients who have other health issues to manage.

 

For those who have been PCRU for a very long time (i.e. Trey / Susan), but are reluctant to try complete cessation out of an abundance of caution, one month on one month off might be a way to "wean" yourself off Gleevec and gain confidence you have beaten CML.... one month on one month off, one month on ... two  months off ... one month on, three months off.