fanos
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Posts:18
If Crizotinib has been effective on some of the masses (Stage IV NSCLC-ROS1+) but there is a need to stop because of side effects --can it be resumed after a few weeks? How does an interruption affect the resistance factor--or does it? Have there been studies to determine the effect of an interruption of this targeted therapy?
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Reply # - July 17, 2016, 07:38 AM
Just curious if you've tried
Just curious if you've tried reducing the dose before completely stopping it?
Take care, Judy
P.S. I am a LC survivor and advocate and not a medical professional.
Reply # - July 17, 2016, 09:34 AM
Hi fanos,
Hi fanos,
It is not at all uncommon for targeted therapy patients to take treatment breaks, then resume after side effects clear up. At that time, the therapy may be resumed at full standard dosage or at a reduced dose. Some patients need a dose adjustment or two to reach the optimal dose for their sensitivity to the drug. Many patients respond well to the drug even with such dose reductions, since the standard dosage is set in clinical trials at the highest level that is well-tolerated by most patients, not the minimum necessary to produce a good response.
It's not known whether a treatment break has any effect on the development of resistance or efficacy of the drug, and trials to find answers to these questions are unlikely to be sponsored. The anecdotal experience of oncologists tends to indicate that a short treatment break has no negative effect.
Good luck with your side effects and resumption of Crizotinib.
JimC
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