Nov 2, 2007

Another day at QM. Since Prof Fan is still away, nothing has been communicated to the Oncology Ward yet. However, spoke briefly to one of the doctors in K8 and looks like we'd go ahead with the surgery once we get the green light. Meanwhile, we are still 'waiting' for both rooms for ABMT or Surgery; the next 3F8 is due next week. Mentioned our worries about the absence of pain in relation to HAMA factor developed inside baby's body, I requested we'd not go ahead with 3F8 if the blood test came back positive on HAMA on Monday. However, I just realized today that QM didn't do test on HAMA. The blood that was drawn prior to 3F8 everytime were being stored and will be sent to US for testing when the whole treatment is finished!!! So I wondered what's the point of testing for HAMA??? Here's the excerpt from the Sloan-Kettering Website:-

"... HAMA stands for "human anti-mouse antibodies." HAMA measures how strongly the body's immune system is reacting to 3F8. If a patient has HAMA, there is no point in doing 3F8 treatments because the HAMA will block the 3F8 from getting to neuroblastoma cells. However, HAMA can disappear, and 3F8 treatments can then resume. Patients are checked for HAMA by means of a blood test. Patients with HAMA do not have pain or other side effects of 3F8 treatment, but patients without side effects sometimes do not have HAMA (and can continue to be treated with 3F8).

HAMA might be a sign that a patient is developing an immune response against the neuroblastoma -- and that is a good thing. It is probably best that a patient receive at least four cycles of 3F8 treatments. Most patients who have received chemotherapy only a short time before 3F8 treatment do not make HAMA because part of their immune system is too weak. In Memorial Sloan-Kettering's protocols, the aim is to give repeated treatments with 3F8 until HAMA is made. It appears that the best chances for cure are realized when multiple cycles of 3F8 treatment are given before the patient begins to form HAMA."

Therefore, we will go as planned i.e. Adrian will have his 5th course of 3F8 next Monday!

Adrian in his new highchair (he frowns because of the camera flash)




All bundled up for the QM trip today