Aside from often-daily bouts with headache that require rest and pain meds, Susan continues to do remarkably well on her lowest dose of Decadron in at least the last 18 months. Headache is common as her body adjusts to less of the oral steroid and needs to jump-start its own natural production. But the fact that she’s been free from tumor or other problems for months means we can pursue this effort as far as possible. It also gives her a chance to shed the influence of side effects like bone loss and diabetes. We’ve learned to be ready for setbacks, but become more hopeful with the progress as time goes on. She’ll be back at UCLA before the new year for her next MRI and tumor update – but symptom-wise, things look good.
Today’s Brain Tumor News Blast from the Musella Foundation highlights research co-authored by Doctors Leia Nghiemphu and Linda Liau, Susan's UCLA neuro-oncologist and neurosurgeon. Their team’s 2006-2008 clinical trial study of 70 new GBM patients showed improved progression-free survival when treated with a regimen of Avastin (Bevacizumab) and Temodar (Temozolomide) following radiation therapy. Susan was not part of the study, but she's had each of these treatments during her course of treatment at UCLA.
While the clinical trial did not advance overall survival, it nearly doubled progression-free survival from 7-8 months to nearly 14 months. Such gains may seem small – but to me the study reveals the intensity of the battle as specialists try to find better ways to help GBM patients survive this devastating disease. That the study’s overall survival rate was 14 to 21 months makes us all the more grateful for Susan’s survival and good condition at 42 months. We’re also proud of the work her doctors are doing and glad she’s being helped by the best of the best.
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