Treatment dropped due to progression…looking for new treatment

Perhaps this trial since it has the best of two worlds…Dose-escalation Study of Combination BMS-936558 (MDX-1106) and Ipilimumab in Subjects With Unresectable Stage III or Stage IV Malignant Melanoma

it's IPI and MDX 1106.,,http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01024231?term=MDX+1106+and+MDX+010&rank=1

Or Perhaps 

Perhaps this trial since it has the best of two worlds…Dose-escalation Study of Combination BMS-936558 (MDX-1106) and Ipilimumab in Subjects With Unresectable Stage III or Stage IV Malignant Melanoma

it's IPI and MDX 1106.,,http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01024231?term=MDX+1106+and+MDX+010&rank=1

Or Perhaps 

Hi Jill,

the trial I referenced is a Phase II Trial, none of which are randomized.  Only Phase III trials are ramdomized.  This is Glaxo's version ot the BRAF inhibitor that Roche is testing, but it is called a MEK inhibitor.  Please do not let the terminology confuse you.  If Eric has the v600e, then he is eligible, although Glaxo may want to do their own test and not accept another test.  See if there is a Site near you – maybe in the Pittsburgh area (you ar near there as I recall).

Ther are Ipi combination trials going on, as the next poster points out.  We can discuss the options in more detail if you would like, on or off the board.  Or you can look at the Clinicaltrials.gov website.

Best,

Jim

Hi Jill,

the trial I referenced is a Phase II Trial, none of which are randomized.  Only Phase III trials are ramdomized.  This is Glaxo's version ot the BRAF inhibitor that Roche is testing, but it is called a MEK inhibitor.  Please do not let the terminology confuse you.  If Eric has the v600e, then he is eligible, although Glaxo may want to do their own test and not accept another test.  See if there is a Site near you – maybe in the Pittsburgh area (you ar near there as I recall).

Ther are Ipi combination trials going on, as the next poster points out.  We can discuss the options in more detail if you would like, on or off the board.  Or you can look at the Clinicaltrials.gov website.

Best,

Jim

Hey Jill and Eric! I am a buckeye too! Born and raised in Tuscarawas County! (Currently hubby and I are living in North Dakota)…soon to move to Florida!)

I am curious if Eric had a lot of sunburns growing up in Ohio…I had egg looking yellow blisters on my shoulders and neck from swimming lessons as a kid.  Mine started like a flat freckle on my neck..who would have thought it would end up being this now…! Good luck with your decision…it's always tough because once you do choose one treatment  the chances are great it will knock you out of the others…I worry about that – you know- just incase it comes back…here are 4 immunotherapies you can look at!

Vaccine Therapy and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Melanoma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

Dose-escalation Study of Combination BMS-936558 (MDX-1106) and Ipilimumab in Subjects With Unresectable Stage III or Stage IV Malignant Melanoma

Tremelimumab and CP-870,893 in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Phase I Oncovir Poly IC:LC and NY-ESO-1/gp100/MART

Lynn

Hey Jill and Eric! I am a buckeye too! Born and raised in Tuscarawas County! (Currently hubby and I are living in North Dakota)…soon to move to Florida!)

I am curious if Eric had a lot of sunburns growing up in Ohio…I had egg looking yellow blisters on my shoulders and neck from swimming lessons as a kid.  Mine started like a flat freckle on my neck..who would have thought it would end up being this now…! Good luck with your decision…it's always tough because once you do choose one treatment  the chances are great it will knock you out of the others…I worry about that – you know- just incase it comes back…here are 4 immunotherapies you can look at!

Vaccine Therapy and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Melanoma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

Dose-escalation Study of Combination BMS-936558 (MDX-1106) and Ipilimumab in Subjects With Unresectable Stage III or Stage IV Malignant Melanoma

Tremelimumab and CP-870,893 in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Phase I Oncovir Poly IC:LC and NY-ESO-1/gp100/MART

Lynn

Hi Jill,

Glad id I can help in a some small way.  I should point out that the MDX 1106 trial mentioned above is a Phase I trial, so it should be evaluated accordingly.  The combination of MDX 010 (aka Ipilimumab) and MDX 1006 does look interesting, however.  I am currently enrolled in a trial of Ipi and Temazolomide, and one of those who think that Ipi combinations, as well BRAF or MEK combinations, hold promise and expect to see more of those kind of trials, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Best wishes to you and Eric.

Jim

Hi Jill,

Glad id I can help in a some small way.  I should point out that the MDX 1106 trial mentioned above is a Phase I trial, so it should be evaluated accordingly.  The combination of MDX 010 (aka Ipilimumab) and MDX 1006 does look interesting, however.  I am currently enrolled in a trial of Ipi and Temazolomide, and one of those who think that Ipi combinations, as well BRAF or MEK combinations, hold promise and expect to see more of those kind of trials, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Best wishes to you and Eric.

Jim

Temazolomide (Temodar)  lasted from my radiation in July 09 to Feb 2010. Bought me time! I am thinking if all the trials and drugs give me so many months I could last til old age. My old onc at  Mayo said I was lucky because it usually stops after 3 or 4 months. I have heard people with brain mets have been on Temazolomide for years and years and doing fine! Ted Kennedy was on it . Great success with your trial!!

Temazolomide (Temodar)  lasted from my radiation in July 09 to Feb 2010. Bought me time! I am thinking if all the trials and drugs give me so many months I could last til old age. My old onc at  Mayo said I was lucky because it usually stops after 3 or 4 months. I have heard people with brain mets have been on Temazolomide for years and years and doing fine! Ted Kennedy was on it . Great success with your trial!!

I think MDX 1106 and IPI is a great thing! I am hopeful with the MDX 1106 as I am on it. It has been used with much success in other cancers  previously . Temador wasn't a big winner, but I don't thinkit was expected to be!

I think MDX 1106 and IPI is a great thing! I am hopeful with the MDX 1106 as I am on it. It has been used with much success in other cancers  previously . Temador wasn't a big winner, but I don't thinkit was expected to be!

Hi Jill,

You need to contact the hospital site or sites that is/are involved in the particular trial (in this case, Yale or MSK in NYC) and ask them if they are accepting new participants.  Do not assume that the info on the Clinicaltrials.gov website is accurate, because sometimes it is not regarding openings.  Second, try to determine if all eligibility criteria will be met to be entered in the particular trial.  So before you get too focused on a particular trial, figure out if you (Eric) is eligible and that there is a slot available first.

Your point about the MDX 1006 is valid, and it does look like a promising combination.  Phase I trial are to determine dosages, so participants are more of a gineua pig than at Phase II trial, but that may not seem like much of an issue until you see the disclaimers the legal papers that must be signed to enroll.  If that trial is your first choice, please make sure to do your homework on that trial as well as check out other options to pursue if your first choice does not work out.  Of course, if you ask for opinions here or elsewhere (as opposed to facts), you will certainly get them, but that may not be as helpful as you would like.  There is no substitute for becoming educated yourself, even though you might prefer th rely on other people's knowledge and/or opinions.

Regarding insurance, the cost clincal trials that do not involve FDA approved medications are covered by the sponsor(s).  MDX refers to Medarex, whihc is now owned by Bristol Meyers (BMY).  BMY covers the cost, including screenings, etc.  If you prefer to contact your carrier to verify that angle, then please do that after you know which trial Eric will be enrolling in.  Typically the study nurse at the hospital will help you with insurance so that you know if you have any cost before beginning the trial.  Last, "compassionate use"  Ipi should not cost you for the trial itself, and would still seem to be an option to consider, even if it would be Plan B or C.

You are asking good questions, but please do not make assumptions and do verify any information you get on this board – including from me!

Best Wishes,

Jim

Hi Jill,

You need to contact the hospital site or sites that is/are involved in the particular trial (in this case, Yale or MSK in NYC) and ask them if they are accepting new participants.  Do not assume that the info on the Clinicaltrials.gov website is accurate, because sometimes it is not regarding openings.  Second, try to determine if all eligibility criteria will be met to be entered in the particular trial.  So before you get too focused on a particular trial, figure out if you (Eric) is eligible and that there is a slot available first.

Your point about the MDX 1006 is valid, and it does look like a promising combination.  Phase I trial are to determine dosages, so participants are more of a gineua pig than at Phase II trial, but that may not seem like much of an issue until you see the disclaimers the legal papers that must be signed to enroll.  If that trial is your first choice, please make sure to do your homework on that trial as well as check out other options to pursue if your first choice does not work out.  Of course, if you ask for opinions here or elsewhere (as opposed to facts), you will certainly get them, but that may not be as helpful as you would like.  There is no substitute for becoming educated yourself, even though you might prefer th rely on other people's knowledge and/or opinions.

Regarding insurance, the cost clincal trials that do not involve FDA approved medications are covered by the sponsor(s).  MDX refers to Medarex, whihc is now owned by Bristol Meyers (BMY).  BMY covers the cost, including screenings, etc.  If you prefer to contact your carrier to verify that angle, then please do that after you know which trial Eric will be enrolling in.  Typically the study nurse at the hospital will help you with insurance so that you know if you have any cost before beginning the trial.  Last, "compassionate use"  Ipi should not cost you for the trial itself, and would still seem to be an option to consider, even if it would be Plan B or C.

You are asking good questions, but please do not make assumptions and do verify any information you get on this board – including from me!

Best Wishes,

Jim

Yes My trial is covered by the trial but my insurance had to pay for the initial scans and initial dr visit. Once accepted into the trial every thing is covered. They say if it's a standard treatment that I would normally happen outside of the trial insurance would be responsible.

Yes My trial is covered by the trial but my insurance had to pay for the initial scans and initial dr visit. Once accepted into the trial every thing is covered. They say if it's a standard treatment that I would normally happen outside of the trial insurance would be responsible.

Hi Jill

Generally Phase 1 is trialing the drug where sometimes phase 2 is the Trial Drug or placebo. She probably wants to make sure you get the drug. Ask her if this is the case.

best wishes

James

Hi Jill

Generally Phase 1 is trialing the drug where sometimes phase 2 is the Trial Drug or placebo. She probably wants to make sure you get the drug. Ask her if this is the case.

best wishes

James