I've had a cancer recurrence which will require treatment. Initial indications were good after surgery with my tumor marking falling. However in January, it started to climb upward indicating that there were some new concerns. A CT scan this week confirmed that there is small growth on my liver and some increased activitiy in nodules around my lungs. This is inoperable, but could be penetrated by chemotherapy.
I have decided to participate in a study with contains conventional chemotherapy agents and a new agent in a class of drugs called PARP inhibitors. It is offered as a phase 2 trial at Dana Farber. It is 18 weeks of treatment---6 cycles, in 3 week intervals. In week one, there are 2 infusions (of 3 agents) which is repeated in week 2. Then the third week is time off, until it starts again. I have been told that the main side effects are low blood counts and fatigue.
The PARP inhibitors are very hopeful for the kind of cancer that I have. So I am hopeful!
