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Provenge - My thoughts.

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Posted 8/30/2012 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
As many of us here, I've been very interested in Provenge.

However - when I look at the reality of what it takes to provide the treatment I just do not see how it can be made available as a general treatment.

From my understanding, and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

A special nurse withdraws the blood from the person
That blood is than transported to one of very few labs in the USA.
The company accomplishes what they need to do
Than the treated blood is sent back to the patients medical center
At which time the treated blood is transfused back into the person by the special nurse.

All this needs to happen in a 72 hour period.

Even if the 72 hour clock starts from the time the lab completes whatever it does, the logistics - at least to me - sound to be a huge challenge.

What am I missing?

Thanks

Bud
Posted 8/30/2012 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
But Bud, all the patient has to do is show up for the draw, then return 3-days later.  You don't have to personally hand-carry the blood.

I've not had Provenge treatment, and so maybe Todd will reply with more details and we both can learn more, but I believe it largely happens "behind the scenes."

A $300 flight between Chicago and Washington DC is also complicated and takes lots of people working "behind the scenes"...but all you do is show up at the security line...

Posted 8/30/2012 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Casey

Sorry I should have been clearer:)

The Provenge treated blood - would be I think the logistical problem.

Right all the patient needs to do is show up at the appointed time.

But than if the patient is late or can't make it that day due to whatever - is the provenge treated blood deemed unfit for use?

Bud
Posted 8/30/2012 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
The question is about the patient making it to the follow-up appointment for re-infusion...?

Without knowing the mechanism details, I do believe you are correct that there is a limited time window for re-infusion. Probably not down to the minute, but probably a limited window of opportunity.

I would think the patient would prioritize that appointment above most other things, and be on time. To be honest, I wouldn't have thought of that as being a big problem...  It seems like it's a personal matter of priority.
Posted 8/30/2012 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, but Bud, that's why they charge the big bucks...... part of taking care of things... :-)
Posted 8/30/2012 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,

You are correct. If you miss the window, the process is ruined.

I would say, based on those I know who have done it, that it can't be anything but the highest priority you have to be there on time, if not early.

Other than being dead on the side of the road, I can't think of anything that would have stopped these guys from showing up.

Posted 8/30/2012 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
How about the logistics of getting the treated blood from the lab itself to the medical facility?

Would it be hand carried by a courier or what?

I'm in the DC area, I think the nearest lab is a plane trip away.

So would have the trip from the lab, to whatever airport is close to them, than the flight itself, and a courier to hand deliver to downtown DC?

How can they replicate that process for say 1000 guys in various parts of the country?

But than - maybe thats one of the reasons it is just a tad pricey
Posted 8/30/2012 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Bud, just another reminder that my answers are not from direct experience, but I've read a bit about it.

The logistics behind the scenes may be of interest to the patient, but he is not involved in the process. You properly touched upon the key earlier...when the "specially trained" hemotologist is put in place, all the background processes needed to accompany it are also put in place.
Posted 8/30/2012 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,

If I needed it enough to be throwing $93,000 at someone to make it happen, I would not be wasting my limited time on how they accomplished it. And they would want the $93k badly enough to meet the schedules.

You would be terrified if you realized how much of business in America runs on "just-in-time" supplies these days. I discovered that my pharmacy literally orders the drugs I need for refills with an overnight shipment they get each morning. They have very little on the shelf, and if I need a vacation override, I had better have a couple of days warning.

Fed-ex and UPS are becoming the basis of commerce in the US.

Posted 8/31/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys , Chiming in. Yep, I had my white cells collected at the red cross donation center. The needles feel like 16 penny nails. ouch. It took 3 and 1/2 hours to collect the bag of cells and a bag of plasma. From Washington state a courier was standing by to take the cells to the airport. This happened on tuesday. On friday I went to the chemo room and was infused with my cells and the provenge. It took about an hour and a half. It is a commitment. It takes place every other week for three infusions. You have to be there fore the infusion on time so I would arrive 2 hours early. It was no big deal though. Todd
Posted 8/31/2012 7:46 AM (GMT 0)
I got "Provenged" my requisite three times (sucessfully---twice UN-sucessfully) similarly to "living 1963". "Standard" Red Cross blood draw with big needles (Leukapharesis). Special couriers take the blood products away and deliver.

Provenge didn't take, for me. Luckily I got a grant for the $93,000 cost.
Posted 8/31/2012 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all I have a full section on our website (link removed - not allowed for first-time posters, and promotion via website is not allowed - 142)

Post Edited By Moderator (142) : 8/31/2012 6:30:18 PM (GMT-6)

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