Some of you may know this and some not but my brother Chris was diagnosed with Oral cancer just after my recurrence a year ago. He went to MD Anderson in Houston and underwent surgery to remove a tumor just above his vocal chords. He also had IMRT (70 gy) to the vocal chords to clean up a bit of cancer they identified there.

He recently received a clean CT for this area but got very bad news as they discovery the cancer had broken out into the lymph nodes in his upper chest and he has spots on his lungs.

MD Anderson has recommended chemo therapy for palliative care. I wanted to see if any of my OCF brothers and sisters can recommend another place out there that is doing something new in this area. I am a big advocate of second opinions and told my brother that he should see at least one or two other doctors regarding possible curative treatments.

I know this is about as bad as it gets but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have pasted in the radiology report below.

I am looking for anything new in treating metastasis to the lungs. I would like to get him a direct contact at whatever facility you may know of so please include the doctor�s name if possible and any contact information you may have.

Thanks in advance for the help.

FULL RESULT:
Examination: CT Chest with IV Contrast, 02/13/2013

Clinical History: Piriform sinus oropharyngeal cancer.

Indication: Evaluate for metastatic disease.

Comparison: CT chest of 10/16/2012.

Technique: CT scan of the chest performed with intravenous contrast.

Findings: New mediastinal adenopathy is noted adjacent to the right brachiocephalic vein and in the subcarinal and right anterior mediastinum adjacent to the superior vena cava. The subcarinal adenopathy measures 3 cm. Bilateral pulmonary metastases are noted. Small nodules seen on the prior study have increased in size. The largest lesion is located in the right middle lobe abutting the right heart border, previously measuring 5 mm, now measuring 21 mm. There are no pleural effusions. The adrenals are unremarkable. A gastrostomy tube is present.

IMPRESSION:
Progression of disease. Mediastinal and bilateral hilar adenopathy. Bilateral pulmonary metastases.

I'm sorry for this news of your brother, Kelly. I have no experience with distant metastases, but know MD Anderson is the top rated cancer treatment center in the country. What I recall, and could be wrong, about lung involvement in HNC is knowing if it's metastatic cancer or a secondary cancer, both of which may be treated differently, have different prognosis. I heard of biopsies being done in the lungs to help confirm this, if it's possible. For small tumors, I heard of radio-surgery, like cyber knife, being used, and other therapies depening if its metatastic or not. I wish I knew more to help, and hopefully someone has some experience or knowledge in this area. You can always get 2nd opionion orveven 3rd opionin elsewhere. If I come across anything, I'll let you know. Take care.

Kelly, Im very sorry about your brother. I had hoped he was doing fine after his treatments. Here is a link for NCI where you can search clinical trials. I wish there was more I could do to help. Im very sorry!!!

NCI Clinical Trial Search

Kelly,

I am sorry that your brother is facing such a difficult diagnosis. I don't have any info to offer you but just wanted you to know that you and your brother are in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))

Anita

Paul and Christine are right a secondary non metastatic cancer is treated differently, they don't know if its mets without a biopsy - md is awesome. Ask him to see if there is a trial available. There was someone else who had mets to the lungs and was treated with surgery and a trial. They are cancer free now. Thin it was a two year ordeal. There is also testing to see what chemo the tumor is sensitive to this would give him a leg up on fighting it. He should definitely get a second opinion. Hugs and I'm sorry for this news.

Cheryl,

A biopsy was done and this is Matastic. Thanks forthe heads up so I could clarify.

Kelly,

My condolences my friend, that's tough news. A clinical trial would be an option if he wants to continue to fight. I've forwarded this to Brian to see if he's got any leads on current trials.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers brotha.

Eric

Thanks Eric,

I appreciate your concern. It was ironic that I started teatment first and Chis was always devistated when I had a setback fearing that was going to be him the next time. He was very worried about a recurrance after I had mine. Its been very tough on him this oast week and he climed into a shell. It took a few of us brothers and sisters along with his wife to break him out of his slump. He was doing better today up early with a full breakfast and a walk with his wife.

I'm hoping we can find him something out there that will increase his odds.

Kelly:. I wish I had some helpful suggestion for your brother, but all I can offer is prayers for all of your family. We are here for you. Hugs
Donna

Kelly, I have no idea if this will help or not as I am very new to this whole thing, but I wanted to at least mention it. I went to Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center on 2/20 to be evaluated for oral scc tongue cancer. The treatment plan they came up with was for surgery in 2 weeks. Meanwhile, they put me in a clinical trial. This clinical trial involves the drug Tarceva, which was previously used in patients with non small cell lung cancer to slow the growth of the cancer. Well, in this study, tarceva is supposed to stop the growth of scc and even shrink the tumor. I think they said that the majority of their patients had seen a reduction of at least 70%. I have been on it a little over a week and the tumor on my tongue has shrunk considerably. The reason I am mentioning this is that from what I understand, and again I am new at this, the cancer in your brothers lungs is really SCC since it metastized (sp).from the original cancer. Maybe this drug could help him since it is being used with scc in a clinical trial right now, the scc seems to respond well to it and it has been approved for lung cancer as well. I am being treated at Wake Forest and my Oncology and hematology Dr who is heading up this trial seems to be very compassionate and caring. I believe she will help if she can and if she personally cant, she may have information as to who can. I really hope I am not sending you on a wild goose chase as thats the last thing you need, but I have this information and have to share it with you if there is the slightest chance it may help. I really really hope it does. It's worth a shot anyway. My prayers are with you and with your brother. Keeping my fingers crossed. If you would like the contact info please send me a PM. If you need any more information, please let me know.