Change of Protocol

[Guest guest]

As data is collected, our CML specialists will make new assesments about how the

drugs will be administered. Things that will matter in these decision makers

are newer and better methods of testing for serum levels, patient's records,

side effects (which ones recede and which ones surface later), new ideas of what

drugs make a better combination and costs. As the drugs come to the marketplace

as generics more patients will switch to the least expensive. Insurance

companies may have reservations about paying for the brand names when the

generics are most cost effective for their bottom line, which is always profit.

VA, for instance does not furnish brand name drugs for the most part, but

prescribes another drug that is nearest to the formula as a generic. Never

underestimate the power of INF, it is here to stay and will still be used in

some protocols. There is more evidence to support the efficacy of INF in its

past use, so there is a resurgence in its use today. We have not seen the last

of it. In lower doses, we may see more combos using INF and getting good

results over time. The people that I know who were given Gleevec + Peg Intron

are still PCRU.

My 2 cents,

Lottie Duthu