MD - New Trials - VX trial and AMN107/Gleevec Trials

December 16, 2005

Hi all.

I just returned from MD. It was a whirlwind trip - as

getting there was quite challenging. The Houston airport closed

(which is rare) on Wednesday due to very bad storms and flooding - so

I was delayed by about three hours in getting there.

All went well - as usual and it was an uneventful trip.

However, I spoke with Dr. Giles yesterday and he wants me to get the

word out to the CML community. He opened a new trial yesterday for

CML patients that have lost their response to Gleevec . . . (maybe

someone who is FISH positive, or is no longer negative on cyto). He

is looking for recruits if anyone has the need. The trial consists

of combining Gleevec with the new AMN107 compound. It sounds very

exciting and is yet another option for all of us.

More exciting however, is the VX trials - which I believe Anjana has

posted about on the Asian list. Dr Giles said it shows incredible

promise for eradicating the dreaded T3151 mutation - that to date -

no other compound appears to have any effect on. He is recruiting

for this trial as well.

If you have any interest, you can contact his PA - Alma Welch at

mawelch@.... You can also reach her at MD via the

leukemia clinic - at 713-792-8760.

This is an amazing time for CML patients - with many options to look

at should we need it!

I'll continue to keep you all posted on my results. It was a

delightful time to be at the hospital. Everything was awash in

Christmas and holiday finery. Each floor was decorated with holiday

decorations, carolers were singing and even 'Santa' visited in the

bone marrow clinic - handing out candy canes, cookies and juice. It

made a difficult day much more tolerable. The facility truly goes

out of their way to make every patient feel special!

Hugs to all of you!

Love,

Barb

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