Latest results from PARP Inhibitor clinical trial

Background: I spent a year and a half after diagnosis on Lupron and Casodex, hit my nadir at 0.69 then started progressing. Instead of starting Xtandi or Zytiga, went into a clinical trial with a drug called ABT-888 a PARP Inhibitor that kills prostate cancer in men who have tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation.

I'm very happy, because after two months on the trial, my PSA has gone from 17 to 2. All three of my oncologists are optimistic that this can work for a "long time."

I did verify today that PARP Inhibitors will not work in men who do NOT have the BRCA2 mutation. In fact, it could be dangerous. But in my case, it's killing cancer.

I have been told of other clinical trials in which they are combining PARP with Taxotere, and PARP with Zytgia, and eventually PARP with Xtandi. They are also working on new forms of immunotherapy (not named, but is NOT Provenge).

The PARP seems very effective so far. I'm hoping that in the future, when PARP alone stops working for me, I will have an option to combine it with another agent, like Zytiga.

I know that my optimism can be severely challenged by just a single blood test, but at the moment, I'm feeling like I have years of effective options ahead of me.

Congrats JK, that is a GREAT result!!!!

Incredible news John! I love waking up and reading a post like this. What made you a candidate for this test and how receptive was your insurance to the idea?

Jim

John,

Glad to hear that you are having a positive response. Thanks for posting your results. I really appreciate the members who post their results good or bad.

Don

Great to read about the positive results, as well as hear your positive attitude!

Michael

That is great....It shows that each case is different and should be attacked individually...

Thanks guys. I was told the test for the gene was $3,000 and not covered by my insurance. But since I was part of the clinical trial, they covered it for me.

The cost of the drug is covered by the trial, but insurance covers doctor visits and scans (co-pay is $20 for me).