4 replies to this topic

[ChrisC]

http://www.internalm...825563fd09.html

Novel CML Drug Active After Failures of Imatinib, Dasatinib, and Nilotinib

The novel oral drug ponatinib may provide a much-needed therapeutic option for patients who develop resistance to at least two approved therapies for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a study has shown.

. . . For physicians, the challenge will be to select the right drugs for each patient, Dr. Cortes added in an interview. "We are going to have to be smart enough to learn how to integrate more of these options into treatment with algorithms to identify which patients are more likely to respond to one drug than another."

[Tedsey]

Great news!  Wonder what Dr Cortez means by using the word "algorithms".

[CallMeLucky]

I'm guessing algorythm is meaning some kind of score card where they profile individuals that respond well to different drugs and try to figure out which drug you score best for.

[knoppl]

An algorithm is like a set of guidelines for one to follow, for example  if someone has x then they should take Gleevec, if they have xyz then they should take spyrcel.  We use algorithms for the drugs we use to treat diabetes. Hope this makes sense. In my mind this is good, it means we have options to treat the CML and it also helps guide the docs on how to appropriately choose a drug. Now in saying that, I can't tell you how many time I am consulted in the hospital by the doctors to give them suggestions on how to manage a patient with diabetes.  Hope this makes sense.

[JJR]

NCCN has a 2010 tx guidlines which includes an algorhythm for the treatment of CML based on updated research.  It is worth reading and giving to your doctor.  It is on the NCCN website although you have to register as a health professional to download the PDF.  I think I have my email on my profile and I could backchannel a copy to those who want it.

http://www.nccn.org/...gls/PDF/cml.pdf

JJR