Hi all --

Just another quick update on the HPV vaccine trial at Johns Hopkins. We met with Dr. Gillison again for the routine 3-month check-up (everything good) and she told us that the final cohort would be through their vaccinations in a month or so. At that time they will start doing the analyses of the blood samples, which will show whether the vaccine results in an immune "boost" against HPV and if this boost is dose-dependent. Barry got the second dose level of 4, there was no placebo arm. No one has had any side-effects.

If the results are positive, the Phase II trial will be designed. Not sure what this will look like, that is, whether it will include patients with active HPV+ cancer.

Well, we are off again on another trip -- this time to Uganda for birdwatching and also, Gorilla trekking. Leaving Friday, back in a month. Just remember, there is life after this disease! Barry and I wish everyone well and "see" you in September - which will be exactly two years after the end of Barry's treatment so a big milestone!

Best,
Gail and Barry

CG to husband Barry, dx. 7/21/05, age 66, SCC rgt. tonsil, BOT, 2 nodes (stg. IV), HPV+, tonsillectomy, 7x carboplatin, 35x tomoTherapy IMRT w/ Ethyol @ Johns Hopkins, thru treatment 9/28/05, HPV vaccine trial 12/06-present. Looking good!