Why New York?
New York just became “hope” for us MMers with the research underway at Weill Cornell in Dr. Selina Chen-Kiang’s research lab.
What a great lady! She converted a large part of her private office into a coffee/lounge spot for her researchers. She understands the value of “downtime” where these intelligent beings can “shoot the breeze” over coffee and oh, just coincidently, perhaps happen to come up with a new research idea for curing cancer.
So, their work continues on PD0332991, a small molecule that literally stops a multiple myeloma cell in its tracks on its way to causing all sorts of havoc in the body. Phase II trials are tentatively to start September 2007. We’ll see how this progresses.
There are other equally promising research efforts elsewhere in the US, but after meeting Dr. Chen-Kiang in New York last November, I plan to follow this research closely. Anyone who understands the importance of a collegial atmosphere for her team the way she does, AND gives up her own office space, can achieve great things.
I selected the theme New York to represent the hope I hold in my heart for the cure for myeloma which is in our sights.
More later.
April 28th, 2007 at 9:23 am
I’m really looking forward to hearing more about PD0332991. This is news to me, so I’m going to do some research. I’m glad you’re exploring different treatment centers. I think it will only benefit you. I’m going to be going to Mayo in May.
Beth
April 28th, 2007 at 9:36 am
What a coincidence, Beth. I also went to “Mayo in May” (2006 that is). It is a fascinating place that knows how to care for the whole person. You will find it efficient, CLEAN, competent and filled with art and music which struck a chord with me. I am a frustrated, and not too talented, musician. In one of the main hallways there were Dale Chilouly (sp) glass chandeliers that soothed the soul. Various forms of art are everywhere turning each nook into a delightful exploration. In one of the main corridors is a grand piano where noontime concerts offer a welcome respite from the usual stresses of one’s medical day. And, Beth, the best part is that the doctors and staff are competent. How can one go wrong! I wish you well. IF I can answer any questions about Mayo to help in your preparation, let me know. Carole
April 28th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Where did you stay when you were in Rochester? I decided to stay at the Marriott. This trip is turning out to be quite expensive, but I’m sure it will be well worth it, based on what I’ve heard from everyone.
April 28th, 2007 at 9:49 am
It was the newest addition to the associated hotels accessible on the underground walkways and I think it was a Residence Inn. It was the farthest to walk but the registration staff thought it might be the best option because of my respiratory problems. Since it was newer they were theorizing that there would be fewer “odors” accumulated. Plus, I don’t think they allowed pets which some of those places do. My only problem was finding food. It is a meat eating town unless I just didn’t know where to look. My food options were very limited, what I found was not great, and I ate a lot of tuna salad for a week! That was the only downside for me among mostly a super positive experience. Who are you seeing?
April 28th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I’ll be seeing Dr. Hayman. I’m trying to remember. Did you have a SCT?
Beth
April 29th, 2007 at 11:52 am
I’d never heard of this, either. Are there any toxic side effects, as far as you know? I did a quick search and saw that it is more effective with Dex, and that it targets MM clones (?).
Interesting that it is a kinase inhibitor. I have been reading a bit about those, since curcumin is one, too.
Please keep us posted.
Margaret
May 10th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Hi,
My name is Jenny and I am part of an online community called CarePlace, for people with similar health concerns and their caregivers. I came across your blog and story and want to introduce you to our site.
We have recently opened a new Multiple Myeloma community and forum and would love to hear what you think. We offer a unique online support network for those with MM. As your blog relates to what we are doing at CarePlace, I wonder if you might visit our site and let me know if you think it might be helpful to the people who communicate through and with you.
At CarePlace, you can create your own webpage, join multiple communities, share an online journal with family members and friends and chat live with other members, in addition to sharing and supporting. CarePlace is a great resource for the exchange of ideas and information.
It’s important to us to get feedback from people like you about CarePlace as we develop our site. Site address is http://www.CarePlace.com. Please add me as a friend (profile name Jen D). I would very much appreciate any insight and thoughts you have about our organization and the site.
Thanks in advance!
Jenny (jend)
May 12th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Re: Margaret’s Post
According to the lead researcher there is little to no toxicity. Unlike standard chemo drugs which target fast dividing cells (which include the cells that line the GI tract, hair, etc leading to the toxic effects), this simply stops the developing plasma cell from further progression. Therefore, there is no toxicity. In the trials so far, when dex was added to the PD molecule, it was used at 1/10 the dose normally used and was effective. Imagine the “ease” of use when it is only 1/10 the normal dose. Perhaps we would not have those terrible effects to deal with.
The last I heard, Phase II trials had been moved from June to September.
Let’s all hope this drug continues to produce the results seen so far. This drug is not a “bandaid”; this stops the myeloma engine cold.
Hoorah for researchers!!!!!
Carole
June 24th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Carole–I wrote you a regular email (our occasional myeloma Listserv correspondence) about my appt. with Dr. Ruben Niesvizky at Weill-Cornell ten days ago. I asked him about PD0332991, and he said it would probably be in test “in the winter” and he would be giving it with Velcade. He said I “would be a candidate.”
As it turns out from all my tests there, I am stable enough to avoid chemo for a while (my regular oncologist is with Memorial-Sloan Kettring on L.I.). Hope I can last till that drug is available!
August 9th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Hi all,
Sorry for being inattentive to this blog. My latest update is the same as Mary Franklin’s regarding a winter start for the Phase II trial of PD0332991. When I read about Pfizer laying off thousands of its pharm reps, my heart skipped a beat and I immediately thought about PD. I hope all is still proceeding. Carole
August 9th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Oops. The post should have listed my name. It HAS been a long time since I have posted. Sorry for the error Mary-Franklin.
Carole
June 13th, 2008 at 11:53 am
trying to find a store with the name of Cook and Baker??with
whom one might be registered for wedding gifts???