Brief discription of cell cept study

[Guest guest]

Open label pilot study evaluating cellcept in patients with psc. Dr

Lindor, Mayo clinic: PSC is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown

cause that may eventually lead to cirrhosis (duh)...There is no therapy

proven to be totally effective in this disease. The purpose of this study is

to evaluate the safety and benefit of cellcept in the treatment of psc.

cellcept is an imunosuppressive med. that may potentially help to bring into

balance some of the abnormal activity thought to be a possible cause of the

disease.

All patients will receive cellcept at a starting dose of 1 gram (4 tablets)

twice a day. (30 patients). This dose will be increased by 500 mg (2

tablets) every two weeks until a max dose of 3 grams daily is reached. If

side effects occur, dose adjustments will be made.

Blood test will be done to monitor side effects of the drug, and to determine

changes in liver function tests. These blood test will be done weekly during

the first month, twice monthly during the second and third months of

treatment, and then monthly through the one year study duration. Patients

will return to the mayo for a complete history and physical in addition to

more blood test.

Possible side effects from cellcept include gastrointestinal symptoms such as

nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Decreases in white blood counts

and anemia are also possible.

Sorry so long...... wife of , dx 1997, cellcept study participant