xuv2008
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In what types of situations would an oncologist consider pulsing doses of Tarceva? What is the current state of affairs in this area of research? Is it still considered experimental and/or risky, or are oncologists already using it in practice?
Would it be used in patients with acquired resistance and extensive CNS mets in the brain, bone, and spine?
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Reply # - September 20, 2014, 07:22 AM
Hello,
Hello,
Pulsed Tarceva is still considered experimental in the sense that some insurance companies balk at paying for it, especially if the pulsed dose on average exceeds the standard dose of 150 mg/day.
On the other hand, Tarceva is an approved drug (in the U.S., by the FDA) and oncologists can and do prescribe it in pulsed doses, mainly in order to increase the amount of the drug which crosses the blood brain barrier, typically to treat leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
In cases of acquired resistance it's not usually expected that pulsing will help, since the cancer cells no longer respond to the drug, regardless of the dose.
JimC
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Reply # - September 20, 2014, 09:37 AM
Yes, exactly. I'd also add
Yes, exactly. I'd also add that I think only some but certainly not all oncologists are aware of the concept of "pulsed Tarceva". And it is less well studied than anecdotally used.
-Dr. West
Reply # - September 20, 2014, 09:37 AM
Yes, exactly. I'd also add
Yes, exactly. I'd also add that I think only some but certainly not all oncologists are aware of the concept of "pulsed Tarceva". And it is less well studied than anecdotally used.
-Dr. West
Reply # - September 22, 2014, 05:09 PM
what is the meaning of pulsed
what is the meaning of pulsed tarceva and under what circumstances would it be recommended?
Reply # - September 22, 2014, 07:34 PM
It's giving Tarceva at higher
It's giving Tarceva at higher doses but less frequently than daily dosing: You can read about it here:
http://cancergrace.org/lung/tag/pulsed-tarceva/
-Dr. West