Rituxan

[Guest guest]

Had rituxin for NHL in Sept.1999. I had it with chop chemo. Rituxin is a

monoclonial [spelling] antibody and is not a true chemo. By itself is has

very little side effects but combined with other chemo it will have the

side effects of that chemo. I feel it is a good drug and would reccomend

it.

[Guest guest]

" Harold Rand " <hrand@...> wrote:

>Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. My

>oncologist wants me to consider taking it. I want

>to stay away from chemo.

>Anyone aquainted with the substance please

>respond.

>I have NH Lymphoma Harold

* * *

harold

sorry to hear that you have cancer, partner

instead of taking drugs, why not just FAST until it is all gone?

john mc

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

About Rituxan:

Rituxan was the first drug that successfully targets/grabs onto specific

proteins on

cancer cells. Specifically non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer cells.

Rituxan was designed by the researchers at IDEC Pharmaceuticals in San Diego

Calif.

four years ago, although this class of drugs, called *monoclonal antibodies*

first hit

the media back in the 1980s.

Briefly and simplified -- and I stress, BRIEFLY:

Cell-biologists have learned from past research that cancer cells have

thousands of

receptacles - like many growth factors - that can plug in, fuel the cancerous

cell to

strengthen it inspite of a drug imposed on it to die. Each cancer, according to

it's

specific origin, has specific proteins and growth factors. From these,

pathologists

can tell the origin of the cancer in the case of mets -- for instance, to

determine

type/origin of cancer in a person that simultaneously has tumors in the liver,

lung

and brain. And from these proteins, growth factors and growth inhibitors, cell

biologists

are now coming up with meds that aim for cancer-specific targets.

Rituxan is a Monoclonal Antibody - a molecule specifically designed to fit into

the

receptacles of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cells, single out and destroy the cancer

cell

by the immune system. There are a few others and more to come. All these

monoclonal

antibodies will continue to be in trials for other types of cancers also.

Rituxan is manufactured by Genentech (UK) and IDEC (USA). It's a targeted cell

destructor

specifically for NHL. Side effects listed are: fever, chills and in rarely: low

blood

pressure,

and a potentially fatal allergic reaction. The treatment is for 4 weeks.

Possible

retreatment in case of relapse. FDA approved on November 26, 1997 for the

treatment of

patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, B-cell

non-Hodgkin's

lymphoma.

http://www.rituxan.com/

http://www.athensnewspapers.com/1997/112797/1127.a3fda.html

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/1998/rituxa.htm

http://www.rituxan-oncology.com/

http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/specialty/med_onc/chemo/faq/faq_rituxan.html

http://www.cancer-info.com/rituxan.htm

http://www.fda.gov/oashi/cancer/cdrug.html

My Best To All

Litsa

> harold

>

> sorry to hear that you have cancer, partner

>

> instead of taking drugs, why not just FAST until it is all gone?

>

> john mc

>

>

Re: [ ] Rituxan

>

> " Harold Rand " <hrand@...> wrote:

>

> >Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. My

> >oncologist wants me to consider taking it. I want

> >to stay away from chemo.

> >Anyone aquainted with the substance please

> >respond.

> >I have NH Lymphoma Harold

>

> * * *

>

[Guest guest]

If it were only so easy. Not everyone will find this method successfully

controlling or treating their cancer. What works for some doesn't work for

others, or those in the alternative field would have an easy job here.

Melinda

Re: [ ] Rituxan

>

> " Harold Rand " <hrand@...> wrote:

>

> >Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. My

> >oncologist wants me to consider taking it. I want

> >to stay away from chemo.

> >Anyone aquainted with the substance please

> >respond.

> >I have NH Lymphoma Harold

>

> * * *

>

> harold

>

> sorry to hear that you have cancer, partner

>

> instead of taking drugs, why not just FAST until it is all gone?

>

> john mc

>

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

>

>

> Learn more about cancer:

> http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/

> http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/faq.htm

>

> You are receiving this email because you elected to subscribe to the

.

[Guest guest]

Dear Harold,

Where do you live. Someone I know personally, Ann (a nurse practitioner), healed someone else I know, , of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. If you live in CA I could put you in touch with her.

sincerely,

Harold Rand <hrand@...> wrote: Greetings , If you want to make headlines, sleepon a corduroy pillow.Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. Myoncologist wants me to consider taking it. I wantto stay away from chemo.Anyone aquainted with the substance pleaserespond.I have NH Lymphoma HaroldLearn more about cancer:http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/faq.htmYou are receiving this email because you elected to subscribe to the .

[Guest guest]

We live in South Africa - could this Anne possibly help with natural therapy healing regarding our 6 year old son who has a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Cate

Dear Harold, Where do you live. Someone I know personally, Ann (a nurse practitioner), healed someone else I know, , of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. If you live in CA I could put you in touch with her. sincerely, Harold Rand <hrand@...> wrote: Greetings , If you want to make headlines, sleepon a corduroy pillow.Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. Myoncologist wants me to consider taking it. I wantto stay away from chemo.Anyone aquainted with the substance pleaserespond.I have NH Lymphoma HaroldLearn more about cancer:http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/faq.htmYou are receiving this email because you elected to subscribe to the .

[Guest guest]

Hi Cate,

As I wrote to you offline, Ann is in California. However, if you want me to call her and tell her about you, I would be glad to ask her to talk with you. If she says yes, I can email you with her permission and her phone number and the best time to reach her. She probably has an email address so you could set up an "appointment with her" or, perhaps do everything by email. Please let me know.

Cate Junge <cate@...> wrote:

We live in South Africa - could this Anne possibly help with natural therapy healing regarding our 6 year old son who has a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Cate

Dear Harold, Where do you live. Someone I know personally, Ann (a nurse practitioner), healed someone else I know, , of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. If you live in CA I could put you in touch with her. sincerely, Harold Rand <hrand@...> wrote: Greetings , If you want to make headlines, sleepon a corduroy pillow.Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. Myoncologist wants me to consider taking it. I wantto stay away from chemo.Anyone aquainted with the substance pleaserespond.I have NH Lymphoma HaroldLearn more about cancer:http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/faq.htmYou are receiving this email because you elected to subscribe to the .

[Guest guest]

THANKS SO MUCH NANCY - IF ANN HAS AN EMAIL ADDRESS IT WOULD BE A WONDERFUL WAY

OF COMMUNICATING WITH HER SEEING THAT WE LIVE SO VERY FAR AWAY. I WOULD BE MOST

OBLIGED IF YOU WOULD REQUEST IF SHE WISHES TO ASSIST ME WITH OUR SON.

REGARDS

CATE

RE: [ ] Rituxan

Hi Cate,

As I wrote to you offline, Ann is in California. However, if you want me to

call her and tell her about you, I would be glad to ask her to talk with you.

If she says yes, I can email you with her permission and her phone number and

the best time to reach her. She probably has an email address so you could set

up an " appointment with her " or, perhaps do everything by email. Please let me

know.

Cate Junge <cate@...> wrote:

We live in South Africa - could this Anne possibly help with natural therapy

healing regarding our 6 year old son who has a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Cate

Dear Harold,

Where do you live. Someone I know personally, Ann (a nurse practitioner),

healed someone else I know, , of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. If you live in CA

I could put you in touch with her.

sincerely,

Harold Rand <hrand@...> wrote:

Greetings , If you want to make headlines, sleep

on a corduroy pillow.

Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. My

oncologist wants me to consider taking it. I want

to stay away from chemo.

Anyone aquainted with the substance please

respond.

I have NH Lymphoma Harold

Learn more about cancer:

http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/

http://curezone.com/diseases/cancer/faq.htm

You are receiving this email because you elected to subscribe to the

.

[Guest guest]

Harold, Rituxan is not really chemo, although oncologists make a

point of labeling this and other non-chemo agents as such to give

chemo a good name I suspect. Rituxan is a antibody (a protein)

designed to seek and lock onto an antigen (CD20) on the surface of

almost all b-cells (normal and malignant). It has two mechanisms of

action: It initiates a cell death program called apoptosis; it flags

the cells for attack by effector T-cells. Investigators don't know

which is most important.

There are some risks, generally associated with the first infusion.

This is overcome by going very slow, even discontinuing, and by using

benedryl.

The parent cells that produce b-cells are uneffected by Rituxan

because they don't have the CD20 antigen. Therefore, normal b-cell

levels return in about 10 to 12 months. I think Rituxan is a great

management tool for indolent lymphomas. When used as a front line

treatment, it gets even better results.

Hope this helps.

-Karl

http://www.datafork.com/lymphoma.htm

(See third column for more complete Rituxan info)

Greetings , If you want to make

headlines, sleep

> on a corduroy pillow.

> Has anyone on the list heard of Rituxan. My

> oncologist wants me to consider taking it. I want

> to stay away from chemo.

> Anyone aquainted with the substance please

> respond.

> I have NH Lymphoma Harold

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Good for you. You stuck with it and have a decent result. Way to

go. I really appreciate this news since I will be seeing Dr. K Wed

morning and we are supposed to discuss some sort of maintenance

program for me. I thought it would involve campath, but maybe we can

give Rituxan a try. Will talk to him about it. Aside from usual

sinusitis, I seem to be remaining stable with counts showing a good

trend or two. Last year about this time I went into Lions Gate Hosp

sick as a dog, then stayed for my spleen removal surgery plus 3 more

weeks in hospital. I'm glad I'm still doing as well as can be

expected.

All the best to you.

Cheers,

Tom McRae

>I just had the last Rituxan treatment in a series of 6 treatments.

>First 3 treatments RFC. Last 3 treatments R alone. But, there is

>always a but, I will be having one treatment of R only, once every

>2 months for a year. Dr. Klimo says I have had an excellent

>response and I am in complete remission. He says the only problem

>now is keeping it that way. He was at a big meeting with other

>oncologists this morning and it was decided that patients should

>either have 4 treatments every 6 months or 1 treatment every 2

>months. He decided on the 2 months because he doesn't want to give

>the disease a chance to come back as it could, because we don't know

>how long the remission might last. So, it is maintenance for a

>year.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tom, I hope everything goes well with your appt. I hope you continue

to remain in stable condition for a long time.

[Guest guest]

Carolyn, I have had a good bit of Rituxan: once a week for four weeks for three

rounds (every six months), and then later combined with fludarabine and cytoxan

- once a month for six months. Let me reassure you - the nurses know what to

watch for. With my first infusion, my heart slowed alarmingly and I developed

hives. The infusion was stopped, I was given atropine to keep my heart going

and extra benadryl to prevent the hives - and the infusion, when started again,

was slowed way down. Every infusion since then I have gotten a shot of atropine

and extra benadryl. No further problems, no side effects. Rituxan does kill

all the B cells with the CD20 expression (I've heard they all have it and also

that just some have it!) which are part of the immune system, but it does not

affect the T cells or other parts of the immune system. So, I think you will

handle it well. The nurses will tell, but I am telling you - if you notice

ANYTHING different in the way you are feeling, tell them immediately. I know of

some patients who have had chills and fever. I had the above reaction. Every

patient is different. Just don't hesitate to speak up if you notice anything.

Bettie Jane Grant PS: Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody, not a chemical - even

though doctors will refer to it as chemotherapy.

Rituxan

I looked up information given by the manufacturer of Rituxan, and learned that

250,000

people have been treated with it world-wide. Even so, I have decided once again

to wait

until I am facing death from my CLL before I take chemo. Here is what i read:

" Important Safety Information:

" Rituxan therapy does involve risks. Serious side effects have occurred in

patients treated

with Rituxan.

" Death related to Rituxan therapy has been rare. In general, most deaths have

occurred

after the first infusion. Other rare causes of death have been kidney failure

following rapid

killing of tumor cells, as well as severe skin reaction to Rituxan. The problems

in serious

first-administration reactions usually included shortness of breath, heart

attack, lung

congestion, abnormal heart rhythm, and low blood pressure.

" Adverse Events In clinical trials (N=356), the most common adverse events were

part of

an infusion-related symptom complex, including fever (53%), chills/rigors (33%),

nausea

(23%), asthenia (26%), and headache (19%). The incidence of infusion reactions

was highest

during the first infusion and decreased with each subsequent infusion.

" In clinical trials (N=356), Grade 3 and 4 events occurred infrequently, and

included chills,

lymphopenia*, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and infection. "

" Risk Factors Associated with Increased Rates of Adverse Events Administration

of Rituxan

weekly for 8 doses resulted in higher rates of Grade 3 and 4 adverse events

overall (70%)

compared with administration weekly for 4 doses (57%). The incidence of Grade 3

or 4

adverse events was similar in patients retreated with Rituxan compared with

initial

treatment (58% and 57%, respectively). The incidence of the following clinically

significant

adverse events was higher in patients with bulky disease (lesions >10 cm) (N=39)

versus

patients with lesions <10 cm (N=195): abdominal pain, anemia, dyspnea,

hypotension,

and neutropenia. "

I am glad so many of you are having good luck with Rituxan, but my medical

history

contains enough bad luck too make me very cautious at this point.

Thank you for all your help. This group means a lot to me.

Carolyn R. Swift, Providence, RI, dx CLL and follicular lymphoma 9/04,

asymtomatic except

for cough and itching. Only treatment thus far is IVIG, three more of wqhich I

am to get in

the future.

[Guest guest]

Hello Teri,

Rituxan has been out since 97 it is a heavy duty Chemo med. Makes

mtx seem weak. Rituxan was approved for use in RA feb 28th. It is

done by IV. First treatment I hear takes about 6 hours to get it and

then two weeks later you get your second treatment and it only takes

about 4 to 5 hours to recieve it. Then It can last up to 18 months

before you would need another dose of it. I really like the Idea of

only having to have it done once a year. I never thought there would

be a day that you only had to take a med once a year.

>

> ,

> I think my sister is going to ask her rheumy about the Rituxan

next

> time she sees her. I am a Visiting Nurse and administer Enbrel to

one

> of my patients. I have never heard of Rituxan before so I will

have to

> look that one up.

> Steamy here in NY. Anyone got any cold air to blow this way?

> Hugs,

> Teri

> and too !!!

>

[Guest guest]

,

Dont ya just wonder how they ever come up with these drugs in the first

place. Mouse protein. I wonder at what point the scientist said, " hey

lets see what this rat can do to treat RA? " How much longer do you

plan to stay with Humira?

Is Rob feeling better? It's been a long week for me. Just very busy

days. I started getting sore throat yesterday and a swollen tonsil. I

was so exhausted I thought I could sleep forever. Now, its 3:30 and

for some reason I am wide awake and just can't fall back asleep. ugh.

I am keeping a couple of foster girls this weekend so that their foster

mom can go away for mothers day. The girls are just 4 and 10 months.

I am looking forward to having them.

(drea 11 systemic jra/gerd)

>

> Hello all

> I went back to my rheumy the other day (it sure was the week for

appts,

> both me and Rob. We did the dentist, too this week, and today, got the

> application process for Voc Rehab started!) Anyway...the nurse

> practicioner saw me. Talk turned to Rituxan again. It will be my next

> step if Humira doesn't work out. She said that currently, Rituxan is

60%

> derived from mouse protein. However, they have come up with a newer

> version that is 'more human', that is, only 10% mouse protein. This is

> thought to cause less reactions. They will probably be starting their

> trial within the year. Just wanted to share this news

>

> , adult onset RA, mom to Rob 18 Spondy HLA B27+

>

[Guest guest]

,

It sounds as if you are receiving " maintenance Rituxan " . That is

something that has never been studied in CLL, but it has been shown to

be of benefit in follicular lymphoma. My biasis is to treat when

needed and not treat when not needed. I therefore do not use

maintenance rituximab. If you are fatigued, and do not have an

identifiable cause related to the CLL (anemia, transformation, etc.),

then it is important to look for another etiology of the fatigue

instead of waiting for the Rituxan to help.

Dr. Furman

>

> I have four weekly infusions of rituxan every six months and would

like to know if there is a cumulative affect. I've been doing this for

two years and can't seem to get my stamina back.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Dr.Furman. I am going to speak to my oncologist in another fortnight and ask his opinion too. I would like to stop the maintenance rituxan if it is not making any positive difference. My concern is it isn't exactly like having an infusion of sterile water and thus having no affect on my body!

[Guest guest]

,clearly, I can't offer even have one cent regarding the medications, but I wanted you to know I think of you and your family often, and I have been concerned since your post about your increased difficulties with your RA. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers for some answers and relief from this awful arthur...I also pray you find the insight you are seeking regarding the Rituxan and if it is a good choice for you.Hugs,nancysnooksmama@... wrote: My Humira is not working. I'm seriously

considering beginning Rituxan treatments. Does anyone on this board have any experience to relate? My NP at the rheumy office has achieved remission with this drug. They have given it successfully to dozens of patients over the last 2 years (both in clinical trials and out) with no adverse effects. And, it is given initially in an infusion, then another 2 weeks later, then not again for up to a year. You still have to continue methotrexate. Anyone who has any 2 cents to put in, I'm listening... (adult onset RA) and Rob 18 Spondy

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

[Guest guest]

,

I cannot offer any real information. We have been close to starting Rituxan for our son Louis, age 8,systemic JRA. We may do so in the next year. I did read, as you probably did, that a very tiny % had head infections related to the drug and died from it. But generally we hear it is safe from the rheumies we talk to. Good luck. Jan

Rituxan

My Humira is not working. I'm seriously considering beginning Rituxan treatments. Does anyone on this board have any experience to relate? My NP at the rheumy office has achieved remission with this drug. They have given it successfully to dozens of patients over the last 2 years (both in clinical trials and out) with no adverse effects. And, it is given initially in an infusion, then another 2 weeks later, then not again for up to a year. You still have to continue methotrexate.

Anyone who has any 2 cents to put in, I'm listening...

(adult onset RA) and Rob 18 Spondy

Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

[Guest guest]

Jan:I, too, was very, very concerned when I read that. After further investigation and talking further with my rheumy, this ONLY occurred in patients being treated for lupus.

I am still researching, though.

Thanks for your input.

Is rituxan approved for kids yet? I know it is very expensive.

and Rob 18 Spondy Rituxan> > > > > > > > > My Humira is not working. I'm seriously considering beginning > Rituxan treatments. Does anyone on this board have any > experience to relate? My NP at the rheumy office has achieved > remission with this drug. They have given it successfully to > dozens of patients over the last 2 years (both in clinical > trials and out) with no adverse effects. And, it is given > initially in an infusion, then another?2 weeks later, then not > again for up to a year. You still have to continue methotrexate.> > Anyone who has any 2 cents to put in, I'm listening...> > (adult onset RA) and Rob 18 Spondy> > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________> Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL > Mail! - http://mail.aol.com>

[Guest guest]

Can’t help with the meds question,

just wanted to say sorry you are still have such struggles. I’ll keep you

in my prayers, Michele ( 20, spondy)

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of snooksmama@...

Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007

3:58 PM

Subject: Rituxan

My Humira

is not working. I'm seriously considering beginning Rituxan treatments. Does

anyone on this board have any experience to relate? My NP at the rheumy office

has achieved remission with this drug. They have given it successfully to

dozens of patients over the last 2 years (both in clinical trials and out) with

no adverse effects. And, it is given initially in an infusion, then

another 2 weeks later, then not again for up to a year. You still have to

continue methotrexate.

Anyone

who has any 2 cents to put in, I'm listening...

(adult onset RA) and Rob 18 Spondy

[Guest guest]

, I dont know if it is approved but it is being used some with kids, I know that. Our doctor thought we could get ins coverage for it also. Good luck. Jan

Re: Rituxan

Jan:

I, too, was very, very concerned when I read that. After further investigation and talking further with my rheumy, this ONLY occurred in patients being treated for lupus.

I am still researching, though.

Thanks for your input.

Is rituxan approved for kids yet? I know it is very expensive.

and Rob 18 Spondy

Rituxan

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> My Humira is not working. I'm seriously considering beginning

> Rituxan treatments. Does anyone on this board have any

> experience to relate? My NP at the rheumy office has achieved

> remission with this drug. They have given it successfully to

> dozens of patients over the last 2 years (both in clinical

> trials and out) with no adverse effects. And, it is given

> initially in an infusion, then another?2 weeks later, then not

> again for up to a year. You still have to continue methotrexate.

>

> Anyone who has any 2 cents to put in, I'm listening...

>

> (adult onset RA) and Rob 18 Spondy

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________________________________________________

> Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL

> Mail! - http://mail.aol.com

>

Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

[Guest guest]

:

Good luck on Tuesday. I hope this is your "miracle drug". You deserve to feel well. I will be praying for you too that you have no side-effects.

BTW for those reading this. Our local news is doing a Backyard Weather segment. A family was the high bidder at an AF Mystery Ball to have a local meteorologist come and do the weather at their house. I just heard him say they will be talking about JA in about 15 minutes! I think this is really cool. He will be talking with some kids who went to camp MASH. How cool is that?????

Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

Rituxan

It looks like my first infusion will be Tuesday. Its scary, but I am having so much trouble the last few days, and I'm tired of living on prednisone. Please keep me in your prayers Tuesday, I'm more than a little bit nervous...if there is a bad side effect to be had, I'm usually the one who has it...Thanks for being there you guys! and Rob 18 Spondy

[Guest guest]

, I will be thinking about you and wishing you the best on Tuesday. Jan

Rituxan

It looks like my first infusion will be Tuesday. Its scary, but I am having so much trouble the last few days, and I'm tired of living on prednisone. Please keep me in your prayers Tuesday, I'm more than a little bit nervous...if there is a bad side effect to be had, I'm usually the one who has it...

Thanks for being there you guys!

and Rob 18 Spondy

Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Beth, I really appreciate all that you do.

and Rob 18 Spondy Rituxan> > It looks like my first infusion will be Tuesday. Its scary, but > I am having so much trouble the last few days, and I'm tired of > living on prednisone. Please keep me in your prayers Tuesday, > I'm more than a little bit nervous...if there is a bad side > effect to be had, I'm usually the one who has it...> Thanks for being there you guys!> and Rob 18 Spondy>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Jan!! and Rob 18 Spondy Rituxan> > > > > > > > > It looks like my first infusion will be Tuesday. Its scary, but > I am having so much trouble the last few days, and I'm tired of > living on prednisone. Please keep me in your prayers Tuesday, > I'm more than a little bit nervous...if there is a bad side > effect to be had, I'm usually the one who has it...> Thanks for being there you guys!> and Rob 18 Spondy> > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________> Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL > Mail! - http://mail.aol.com>