Officially Accepted into Clinical Trial

I have been officially accepted into the clinical trial being conducted by the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

The trial "F-18 Sodium Fluoride in Prostate Cancer".

Objectives:
To evaluate the effectiveness of F-18 NaF in imaging studies to measure bone tumors and their change over time and compare with clinical course, in individuals with prostate cancer.
To determine the smallest amount of change in the bone tumors that F-18 NaF can accurately measure.

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01240551

I reported earlier that when I discussed this trial with my Onco, he was very in favor of it. He said that this trial and the resulting 4 scans that I would receive over a 12 month period would give us extremely valuable information to monitor and treat my specific PCa.

I was scanned in August 2009, with the normal Tc 99 nuclear scan prior to my surgery and there was nothing shown except for my knees which had been through 5 operations.

May of 2010, my Onco was able to get the F18-PET scan approved. Primarily because there was a shortage of the contrast agent used in the T99 scan. This F18 scan found my MET. Additionally, the scan found not only my knee issues but issues in my spine, shoulder, and foot. While these did not appear to indicate MET activity, they did show as degenerative changes.

As part of a 1 year follow-up I was scanned in May 2011, utilizing the Tc99 nuclear scan. F18 was not approved by my insurance company. This scan again only found my knee issues and none of the other issues brought up by the F18 scan.

If nothing else, this gives me confidence to try and find out where my continued rise in PSA is coming from. Additionally, I feel this trial is important for the PCa population. Success of this trial in being able to find and monitor MET activity will help it along the path of greater acceptance by Medicare and ultimately the Insurance industry.

AS A REALLY GREAT BENEFIT, I was able to schedule to be scanned in Bethesda, Md on September 14th and September 21st. This schedule works wonderfully for my participation in the New York addition of GFMPH the last weekend in September. From Bethesda to Worriedguy's place is only about 350 miles.

Save my spot in the driveway and move the basketball hoop Jeff, the wild driver and the RV beast are on the way.

Sonny

That's great news, Sonny.

James, Steve, thanks guys.

Don, I don't know where you live but if you look at the inclusion criteria, there are two paths.

One is known METs and the other is a PSA doubling time of less than 6 months. Maybe you fit and you might get in on this trial.

Sonny

Sonny,

Glad you got those September dates settled for the test.

As you know, my oncologist is already looking over the same clinical for me as well. We will be disucssing it next Wednesday when I see him. He already told me that his group was participating in that exact trial. With my rapidly rising PSA, and quick doubling time, I would probably qualify as well. Will let you know after I meet with the doctor.

I would sure like to know more specifically what is going on with me, and hopefully an advanced test like this could help both of us.

David in SC

Great news Sonny and how in the world did you get it fixed to attend GMPFH at the same time. Move the goal post Jeff, Sonny is on the way.

Michael

Sonny, this new doc seems very progressive and on top of things. I look forward to his opinion on your trial. As you well no, my cancer has been acting very agressive, considering that like you, I blew right past surgery and SRT, and its definitely on the go as we speak. If this test has any ability to make some sense out of it, then it would aid both my doctors and myself into making any future treatment decision. Sure you are hoping for the same thing. Perhaps if it works out, we can be doing it during the same time frame. It is still my intention to make the NY gathering for the first time this fall.

Hope Lynn is doing well today. We still think about her and talk about her (and your situation) all the time.

David

Sonny ,

Oh we can always make space for you. I can add another driveway.

Guys, I gotta tell you. When Sony plugs that thing, in the lights in Western NY dim just a bit. And if you listen real carefully, you can hear them revving up the Niagara Falls turbines just a touch to make up for the load.

He calls it the Beast for a reason. It takes 2 - 20 AMP lines! But the GFMPH campground can handle it.

James C, Don't worry. The barn is completely free of E.Coli - and any other DNA based life-form for that matter.

Jeff

Sunny thats great news buddy... James C be careful of that barn.. I have heard stories about that place.

Cajun Jeff