Iressa (ZD1839) - Cancer: Lung Message Board

richmoor · 02-14-2001, 11:19 AM

I am interested in exchanging information with anyone who has a friend or family member who is being treated with Iressa (ZD1839). My friend has recently begun the drug therapy,and it would be really helpful to learn about the experiences of others. Time is of the essence.

Rena11 · 02-15-2001, 12:59 PM

My mother has just been approved for a phase II trial with Iressa. She has not yet started her treatment, but I would be happy to exchange information with you. Has your friend started treatment yet? What drugs has your friend taken? Mother has been on Taxol/ Carboplatin, Taxotere/ Carboplatin, Gemcitabine/ Carboplatin, and Navalbine/ Carboplatin. All have produced a remission, but the cancer keeps coming back. Are there others available that we havent tried that you know of other than Iressa?

richmoor · 02-20-2001, 04:42 PM

My friend was diagnosed as stage IVb one year ago this month. She first had to deal with a brain tumor and underwent the Gamma Knife procedure. This was followed by several sessions of full head radiation to clear up any remaining spots. She then underwent a series of 6 chemotherapy treatments using taxol and carboplatin. Additionally, she has been taking certain herbal supplements for about eight months: MGN3 and Essiac Tea, and several others. She has been taking Iressa for about two weeks. She has experienced daily bouts of diarrhea, but reports that she is dealing with it by using Immodium and experimenting with what, and when, she eats.

[This message has been edited by richmoor (edited 02-20-2001).]

Doula · 03-27-2001, 01:28 PM

Six months ago my father was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcenoma. At first he responded well to the chemotherapy and the tumor began to shrink. Several treatments later the tumor began to increase in size again. He was then given taxotere which did nothing but make him weak and very prone to infections. Now his doctor asked if he would like to participate in the experimental treatment of zd1839. We are very torn since we have do not have anyone to ask that has undergone the treatment themselves and have been unable to find anything regarding the success rate of this treatment. If anyone has any information, please, please contact me as soon as possible. He is in stage IV now and I'm sure that would have alot to do with the effectiveness of the treatment as well. Thank you in advance for any information on this matter.

richmoor · 03-30-2001, 04:29 PM

My friend was forced to stop taking Iressa in the eighth week of treatment because of dibilitating diarrhea.

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