Brain metastasis - UPDATE

Hi dime. Sorry your dad isn't doing as well as you wanted. I found these papers, which should answer your specific question:

Therapeutic Effect of Cabazitaxel and Blood-Brain Barrier opening in a Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Model (2019, Full Text)

"Abstract
Treatment of glioblastoma and other diseases in the brain is especially challenging due to the blood-brain barrier, which effectively protects the brain parenchyma. In this study we show for the first time that cabazitaxel, a semi-synthetic derivative of docetaxel can cross the blood-brain barrier and give a significant therapeutic effect in a patient-derived orthotopic model of glioblastoma. We show that the drug crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively in the tumor than in the healthy brain due to reduced expression of p-glycoprotein efflux pumps in the vasculature of the tumor. Surprisingly, neither ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening (sonopermeation) nor drug formulation in polymeric nanoparticles could increase either accumulation of the drug in the brain or therapeutic effect. This indicates that for hydrophobic drugs, sonopermeation of the blood brain barrier might not be sufficient to achieve improved drug delivery. Nonetheless, our study shows that cabazitaxel is a promising drug for the treatment of brain tumors."
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Cabazitaxel in castration resistant prostate cancer with brain metastases: 3 case reports (2014, Full Text)

"Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy for men. The skeleton is the most common metastatic site but, following an improvement in survival, metastases in uncommon sites are being found more frequently in clinical practice, especially brain metastases. Despite the new drugs now available for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, no clinical evidence exists about their effectiveness on brain metastases. We describe the clinical history of 3 patients treated with cabazitaxel plus whole brain radiotherapy. These case reports demonstrate that cabazitaxel is highly active and well tolerated in brain metastases."

Wishing your dad and family all the very best,

Djin

Sorry I can't help with that, but put it on your list of questions for his docs. I think it's not unreasonable, because of location differences, to have larger tumors that aren't causing symptoms and smaller ones that are pressing on important areas with very evident symptoms.

Djin

Post Edited (DjinTonic) : 4/14/2020 12:58:22 PM (GMT-6)

Hello Dime ----

Hoping your father got started on a treatment path.

Your devotion to him is evident, and I thank you for being an ally and advocate for him --- and your dedication to his well-being.

Sending best wishes to you and your dad ....

Sending support, encouragement, and caring thoughts ---
CYCLONE ---- # Iowa State University

Hello DIME,

Many of us here have gone through chemotherapy infusions. It can be a rough road, to be sure. Each case is different.

Most of us here have had TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions.

Fro that, there is a helpful thread here entitled "Taxotere Side Effects" created here by member Madeline Smith.

Simply type in the title "Taxotere Side Effects" in the search box at the top of your screen and you can read the many experiences members here have experienced with that specific brand of chemotherapy.

For me, a predictable pattern did emerge during treatments ---- full energy, then about three days of lethargy, and then my energy would resurge.

Doctors can adjust the timing, and the dosage of the treatments, as needed.

In my case, to bolster my immunity levels, it was determined that I needed a NEULASTA injection, the day after each treatment. It is expensive, but my insurance covered the cost, in my case.

I hope your father continues to recover from his first treatment. Stay in close contact with his doctor.

All of us here send our encouragement and support!

With my best,
Cyclone --- # Iowa State University

Any news, Bianca, on whether your dad's initial chemotherapy treatment had a positive impact on lab markers, such as PSA yet?

Thinking of you and your father!
Cyclone - Iowa State University

My dad has been before trough docataxel (taxatore I believe is called in the US) and has been on cabazitaxel (jevtana in the US) before as well. Cabazitaxel has worked before but not for a long although the doctor wants to exhaust it until it shows no effect so he can move him on LU177

Thank you Cyclone
appreciate the support and interest

Bianca

My very best wishes to your family for calm times and only good news!

Djin

Bianca, so glad to hear that you and your dad and family have seen things turning in the right direction. Hope that continues and that you guys get a respite from all this that is long lasting.
Best wishes go out to you from all of us

Thanks you Pratoman I wish all the best to you 😊

Thank you Cyclone, enjoy your weekend your replys a re a pleasure to read in this difficult times, I have to find strength to go trough all as my father finds strength to fight it always with a smile and optimism.
Few days ago he had fever so I had to take him to hospital he had to be admitted and is better now and will probably discharge him beginning of next week. One more chemo cycle to go and then hopefully we will be off treatment for a while.
The doctor mentioned that we can stop any time we want if he can’t tolerate it anymore and he will start him on LU 177, but my dad as he is knowing that lu 177 would be the last resort he is staying strong trough cabazitaxel- jevtana.
In general he is doing great given the circumstances he is self sufficient 😊

I keep forgetting to mention that my dad is 70 now will turn 71 in September, and was diagnosed at age 54.

I appreciate all of your comments and support thank you
Bianca

Post Edited (dime) : 7/25/2020 11:51:01 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks Bill
I wish you all the best as well

Bianca