tvoltagg
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Posts:30
Stage IV spindle cell (sarcomatoid) lung carcinoma (EGFR wide type) failing carbo/taxol/avastin induction chemo and the Merck anti-pd1 trial. After failing the anti-pd1 trial, we decided to try Tarceva for the progressing tumors and to radiate the largest chest tumor which is causing pain and nearing the superior vena cava.
We have also just found several brain mets. Our radiation oncologist believes that because of their proximity to one another, gamma knife would create too much potential of damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue and that WBR is called for.
My question to Dr West and others is the wisdom of asking for Namenda (Mementine) while undergoing WBR to prevent cognitive function loss.
Tom
Forums
Reply # - February 1, 2014, 08:10 PM
Reply To: Namenda with WBR
Hi Tom,
A few months ago, Dr. West wrote about this subject, and came to the following conclusion:
"I’m increasingly inclined to favor inclusion of memantine for my patients who undergo WBRT, and several of the radiation oncologists with whom I work share this strategy. The challenge we then face is whether insurers are swayed enough by the results to cover memantine for patients who don’t have Alzheimer’s disease. I haven’t had enough patients to say what to expect in this regard, but I expect that they will if this agent becomes a more universally accepted standard of care paired with WBRT." - http://cancergrace.org/radiation/2013/05/12/can-a-drug-reduce-risk-of-c…
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - February 1, 2014, 09:56 PM
Reply To: Namenda with WBR
Jim summarized it well. I still haven't seen a clear shift toward widespread use, but I think it's a perfectly good thing to ask about. I hope it leads to a thoughtful discussion with the radiation oncologist.
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - February 2, 2014, 10:58 AM
Reply To: Namenda with WBR
Best of luck Tom.