Adding Veliparib to First Line Limited SCLC - 1269536

laurae
Posts:1

My mother was diagnosed with limited (for now) stage SCLC. She is set to start treatment with cisplatin and etoposide shortly with concurrent radiation on the 2nd cycle. Given the launch of clinical trials adding veliparib to the first line treatment of E-SCLC (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02289690?term=small-cell+lung+ca…) , would it be feasible for her to try adding veliparib to her first line treatment, on the assumption that she could gain access to the drug on compassionate grounds from the manufacturer?

Thank you!

LauraE

Forums

JimC
Posts: 2753

Hi LauraE,

The only way to know would be to inquire of the manufacturer. However, this drug is in the early stages of testing, still seeking to determine a maximum tolerated dose, without much evidence of efficacy, so it doesn't seem that it would be worth waiting too long to get approval for such an untested therapy.

JimC
Forum moderator

catdander
Posts:

Hi LauraE,

I'm sorry your mother has been diagnosed with sclc. It's hopeful with limited in that there's a chance for a cure.

Trials especially early stage clinical trials like this one don't have enough understanding to say whether or not the treatment will add more benefits than harm. It may end up causing more harm than good or just more uncomfortable side effects without adding anything. Lung cancer specialists nor the makers would suggest is at this point for adding to treatment for limited sclc.

Your mother is slated to get what is known to be the best treatment available. It can be quite difficult to withstand but of course very worth it for a chance to be cured of the cancer.

Please let us know how she manages and of course let us know if you have more questions.

Stay hopeful,
Janine