provenge update

It also seems to me that any therapy that is used in fighting anything "late-stage" is going to have less robust success given the level of disease the therapy has to overcome in the first place. I'd be interested to see what a Provenge-type treatment would do in much earlier stages of the disease. I imagine that it would be difficult, particularly with younger fellas who might fear a failure at the first line stage; but maybe in conjunction with SRT or even as PSA is rising toward that "more treatment is necessary" stage.

Someone on here recently posted how evolving treatments are changing the staging or treatment schedule of PCa. It would be interesting to me to see Provenge-type drugs used earlier.

I haven't researched it, other than to read the site, but what are the side effects?

Good luck, Todd. I hope you work it out. What about locating a Dr that would recommend the treatment who has an existing relationship with Kaiser, someone in the network or has worked closely with it in the past? There must be someone in the Kaiser realm that could recommend it; one would think so, anyway...

I'm so sorry to read what you are going through.

Hurry up and wait comes to mind.

Mel

Bud,
One problem with the approach of a "hold over" action is that by taking Zytiga Todd may inadvertently exclude himself from a clinical trial. For example MDV3100 might not be an option by being on early Zytiga.

It's always a tough call to wait, but sometimes waiting may be good. The key is that his physician looks at ALL option and knows what order some things may be best. These options change depending and what already been done...

Tony

Waiting is the hardest part. It would be really nice if some expert would put together the entire list of available therapy and list them in order of when to use. I am drafting a letter now to the director of the washington state Insurance commissioner and sending it via certified mail. My next order of business is to go to tbe media. Kaiser permanente needs to realize that I am not a gambler. The reason being is I dont bluff.

Todd:

In your letter, I would emphasize that as a cancer patient (advanced). that time is of the essence

Good luck

Mel

Todd,

I don't like bashing other's doctors, but from your description, your's sounds one step from useless at this critical juncture in your PC journey. Definitely doesn't sound like the doctor is willing to go to bat for you on his own. Does he fully realize what a critical situation you are in? Sounds like he's just going by the "company plan", and not a step further. Feel bad for you on this front, because you need action, and you need it sooner, not later. The clock is running. What did you mean, "purchase a paint in"? Didn't get that part, or was that a mistake?

Regardless, I am rooting for you all the way, with or without this doctor hindering your possible Provenge treatment. There has to be an answer out there for you.

Like the fans of the Boston Red Sox's say all the time, "Always believe".

David in SC

Yea mistake. I was using the talk into text feature and it speaks its own language. I fixed it

There would be costs associated to the trial - tests, maybe followup with a local physician, travel.

My (big national, not an hmo) insurance, and my Aflac Cancer policy has some coverage for those extras. Not all, but something. The Ins. co. has to decide that there is a need and approve it, so they do keep their options open (to not pay).

todd, that makes a lot more sense, lol. thought you were speaking some special code word there.

Yeah, we have the finest doctors/institutions -- for those who have access. ie: those with excellent insurance and /or independently very wealthy.

Kind of sad.

Mel

Hi Doting,
Good to hear from you. I wont give up the fight. I am working an appeal right now but I am not holding out much hope. Dendreon did not allow lung mets in the trials. The Journal of the N.C.I. had an article that said provenge does not work well in the younger population. My doc is sticking to it. I found a couple of trials I qualify for if I can get in. My doc on vacation. It dont matter he is fired. I do not know how long they will be open but they sound good. Stay well and happy. Todd

Sequoiaranger,

Thanks for the post. Very good info. If you wouldn't mind - how old are you and did you have any problems getting Provenge through your insurance? Or was this a trial?

Sounds like you've had some battles lately. Good for you on using all tools available.

Can you also tell how they identified the mass? CT scan?

Thanks,
Jerry L.