Update -- Second Review

Today John had his second review after 8 doses. The CT scan shows 27% growth compared to the baseline established at the inception of the trial. The MO told us not to worry as in real terms, the lesions have grown 2 mm in four months. With immunotherapy, it is also possible that the lesions will appear to have grown in size and then start to shrink. The reason for this is the inflamed cells around the lesions will make the lesions seem like they have grown. The human eye is not yet able to distinguish which are the cancer cells and which are the inflamed cells just by looking at the CT scan. To do that, the patient will probably have to have a biopsy but one wouldn't want a lung biopsy every two months because of the risks. The upshot is John will have another four doses and we may see some changes (or not) at the next review.

Our doctor believes that immunotherapy will likely become an accepted treatment, the question that needs to be answered is what kinds of cancer is it most effective for. She thinks that what is most amazing about this class of drugs is that there is so little or no side effects. I can see this as John is able to live a normal life except for the fact that his esophagus is so scarred from the radiation that he cannot swallow.

We are still feeling positive about the situation. Another patient whom we keep running into at the hospital has stomach cancer that has metastasized to the lungs. He was given a year to live. He is in the same trial as John and has had twelve infusions. His tumours have stopped growing.

My takeaway from today is not to give up. It really does seem like we are turning the corner in cancer treatment.