Chemotherapy

We are now considering obtaining a second opinion from the London Oncology Clinic.

Additionally, here is some information my sister has managed to gather to aid us in our decision as to what route to take.

Stage 4 (Cancer Research)

Stage 4 is the most advanced stage, where the cancer has spread. Understandably, the survival statistics are lowest for this stage. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often diagnosed late. Almost half of all those diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer already have stage 4 disease.

People diagnosed at this stage are mostly treated with chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. Between 15 and 35 out of every 100 people (15 – 35%) treated for stage 4 lung cancer will be alive a year later. For those not fit enough to have chemotherapy treatment, this figure drops to about 10 out of every 100 people (10%).

On average, only about 2 out of every 100 people (2%) diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer would be alive 5 years later.

Commonly used Cisplatin, Carboplatin & newer one Gemcitabine (Gemzar). Find out which they will use in the the local hospital.

In June 2001, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended that chemotherapy should be considered for people with non small cell lung cancer who were not likely to be cured of their cancer. They say that chemotherapy with either gemcitabine, paclitaxel (Taxol) or vinorelbine, together with a platinum drug (for example carboplatin or cisplatin) should be the first choice for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stages 3 and 4), as these are likely to be the most effective drugs. If you have had chemotherapy before and the cancer has continued to grow or spread, they recommend treatment with docetaxel (Taxotere). Your doctor will talk to you carefully about the possible risks and benefits of further treatment. Not everyone is suitable for it. It will depend on how fit you are, and how able you are to cope with side effects of more chemotherapy.

In June 2005, erlotinib was licensed in Europe for patients with advanced non small cell lung cancer that has continued to grow despite having chemotherapy. We won’t know how widely available erlotinib will be on the NHS in England and Wales until NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Exellence) publish their final guidance on this treatment. In June 2006 the equivalent body in Scotland, the SMC (Scottish Medicines Consortium) approved erlotinib on the NHS in Scotland for treatment of advanced non small cell lung cancer. Your doctor can only prescribe erlotinib in this situation if you’ve already had at least one chemotherapy treatment before that hasn’t worked. You must also be able to have chemotherapy with docetaxel (Taxotere).

Anaemia – To constantly make red blood cells and haemoglobin, you need healthy bone marrow, as well as iron and certain vitamins. Question what it means by the report on Dads bone marrow, is the cancer causing it?

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/healthfitness/health_advice/netdoctor/archive/002208.html

Unfortunately the chemo drugs Ive mentioned also exacerbate anaemia, need to find how to alleviate it, whether intravenous iron will help or a blood transfusion.