Targeted therapy now available

Yesterday I met with my oncologist to discuss how things were going. He was pleased with my condition, commented on my weight loss, and was open to discussing longer term strategies. The immediate future means continuing on the three-weekly regime of chemo with Alimta and Avastin. This has proven the right cocktail for attacking my cancer, even if it has resulted in some damage to the rest of me. I’m also hoping to take a brief rest every now and then to help the body recover.

He also informed me that Crizotinib (Xalkori) has now been approved by the TGA for use in Australia. It is available in many countries throughout the world, but Australia has been dragging the chain. If you’ve been following this blog for some time, you might remember that this is a targeted therapy for the particular genetic mutation (ALK+) that is driving my cancer. This drug blocks the cancer pathway without having much impact on the other organs in my body. While not being a cure, Crizotinib has given medical hope to many lung cancer patients throughout the world. We thank God for this development as it opens the door to other treatment options down the track if needed. Thank you especially to those who have prayed that this drug would become available.