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Anybody taking Denosumab?
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Anybody taking Denosumab?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Anybody taking Denosumab?

  • Post
    • December 28, 2010 at 5:28 am
    deirgey
    Participant

      My dad was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma of the Lungs, Liver, Spine and a few spots on several places in his bone.  He is going in for Radiation tomorrow for the spine.  His oncologist recommends he start on Denosumab next Tuesday to reduce the bone cancer.  I worry that this drug can disqualify him from starting on trials.  Just wondering if anybody has any advice on this?  We would like to get a second opinion at MD Anderson but we have heard it is difficult to get a second opinion over the phone.  Is this true?  Thank yo

      My dad was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma of the Lungs, Liver, Spine and a few spots on several places in his bone.  He is going in for Radiation tomorrow for the spine.  His oncologist recommends he start on Denosumab next Tuesday to reduce the bone cancer.  I worry that this drug can disqualify him from starting on trials.  Just wondering if anybody has any advice on this?  We would like to get a second opinion at MD Anderson but we have heard it is difficult to get a second opinion over the phone.  Is this true?  Thank you!!

      Deidre

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    • Replies
        • December 29, 2010 at 9:09 pm
        Jerry from Cape Cod
        Participant

          Deidre,

          I just checked out the treatment.  This is a very brief clip "Denosumab, a monoclonal human antibody which was approved under a priority review, binds the protein essential for the formation, function and survival of the cells that break down bone. It is believed to prevent cancer-induced bone destruction, regardless of cancer type."

          To my untrained view, It appears that the med is to prevent damage to the bone, not really targeting the melanoma.   Is your father being seen by a melanoma specialist, or better yet at a melanoma center?  Has he /you asked about additional treatment for the melanoma?

          If he is not with a specialist or at a center ask for referals or call directly.  In my opinion, if the doc is not handling melanoma on a daily basis or as sole practice, it's time to get with a melanoma specialist.

          He has to be his own strong advocate.  Don't be afraid to ask questions of the doctors, if they don't give strong enough reason, get a second opinion from an expert.

          Jerry from Cape Cod

          • December 29, 2010 at 9:09 pm
          Jerry from Cape Cod
          Participant

            Deidre,

            I just checked out the treatment.  This is a very brief clip "Denosumab, a monoclonal human antibody which was approved under a priority review, binds the protein essential for the formation, function and survival of the cells that break down bone. It is believed to prevent cancer-induced bone destruction, regardless of cancer type."

            To my untrained view, It appears that the med is to prevent damage to the bone, not really targeting the melanoma.   Is your father being seen by a melanoma specialist, or better yet at a melanoma center?  Has he /you asked about additional treatment for the melanoma?

            If he is not with a specialist or at a center ask for referals or call directly.  In my opinion, if the doc is not handling melanoma on a daily basis or as sole practice, it's time to get with a melanoma specialist.

            He has to be his own strong advocate.  Don't be afraid to ask questions of the doctors, if they don't give strong enough reason, get a second opinion from an expert.

            Jerry from Cape Cod

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