Immuo…what?
March 16, 2014
Last week I had my appointment at University of Chicago (UofC) Medicine. It was very promising. I also learned something new about my cancer and family history. From the results of my genetic testing, they have identified a mutated gene called RET that I may have inherited.
This mutated RET is also the cause for Hirschsprung disease that my first-cousin, Tess, may have inherited when she was born. I remember she was operated, they took out a couple of inches of her large intestine. I was a kid back then and would just remember seeing the stitching scars in her belly when we go swimming. So I am blessed with this mutated gene, now what?
How about immuno-therapy? Say what…???? The way Dr. R explained it, you use the person’s immune system to fight cancer. Like it or not, each of us have cancer cells. Some or most of us are lucky, due to good genes and healthy living, our immune system is able to keep the cancer cells in check. In my case, I inherited a cancer-triggering or mutated RET gene. So this misbehaving gene is blocking my immune system from doing its work of neutralizing my cancer. Such a troublemaker!
Previously, all my treatments or chemotherapies were intended to poison the cancer using all sorts of drug in different doses and combination; I have taken a lot in the past six years. Chemo has its benefits but it is non-discriminate. It kills cancer cells as well as good cells. Chemo has also kept my cancer at bay but my cancer is no longer responding.
We are now switching strategies. The plan is to target my mutated RET gene that is blocking my immune system from doing its work. The way Dr. R explained it, who is an American football fan:
Think of the Running Back as your immune system which is being blocked by a Tackle, the RET. We neutralize the Tackle so the Running Back can score.
Sorry, Doc. I am not too much of fan of football. Soccer, especially English soccer, is my game but I get it. Spike the drink of the RET goalie so my boy Luis Suarez (of Liverpool) can score. Go Liverpool!
Currently, they have a Phase 1 trial that can fit me. However, the trial is for melanoma but it addresses the same genetic RET mutation. We need to get approval from the manufacturer, Bristol Meyer Squib, to use the trial drugs: Nivolumab and Lirilumab for the nodules in my lungs. Once we have the approval, I am off to my “olympic” trials. For now, we wait.
Cheers.
P.S. My wife and I did our runs doing a little bit over three miles. Will get there. The goal for now is the 8k Shamrock Shuffle race on March 30. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Awesome news Bo! Keep going strong! If I remember correctly ….The Shamrock Shuffle is where your running events began so go out and enjoy the race! Great news!
Thanks, dude. Shamrock should be fun. I always like that race. Hello to Jamie…and Milo.
Bo,
That is the kind of news that one wants to hear. Praying and hoping that approval is granted and that these drugs go to war against that mutated gene. This is far and away a much better strategic game of attack than chemo which is much too harsh.
You are a warrior that will not take defeat and we are all with you in your battle. Go Bo !! Go immuno therapy !!
Hi, Mike.
Thanks for your support. I will let you and everybody knows if I get approved. Hello to Yvette.
B.