I’ve signed consents and started testing for a new trial using daratumumab (dara), pomalyst (pom) & a new drug called talquetamab. The one thing I have left to do is the bone marrow biopsy, which will be done next Thursday. Here’s a link to the info about the trial.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04108195
I’ve had another PET scan since I last posted, and a few spots have gotten worse. It’s disconcerting. But, I hope the trial drugs will stop the myeloma and give me time to wait for some more treatments to come down the pipeline. This is different for me, because I’ve never had bone issues before & I assumed I never would. There’s some pain associated with it, especially in my spine and left hip.
I’ve had dara and pom together before, but just briefly. Daratumumab is also known as Darzalex®. This version is called DARZALEX FASPRO®. Is it supposed to be all caps, or is Janssen shouting at me? The reason this version of the drug is different, is that it’s given as a subcutaneous injection, rather than by IV (which is how I had it some years ago). We must remember to the ® when we write about daratumumab by its brand name. ; )
This trial requires a hospital stay of up to 10 days. The reason for that is that the injections can cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS). I had grade one CRS when I had my first infusion of the Teneobio drug in the last trial/treatment. I’m expected to have that again, and one doctor told me the second injection will be worse than the first. I’ll be on the BMT unit, which has nice rooms. I hope I’ll have a nice view!
Speaking of nice views, these are some Carolina Chickadees I saw in the back yard a few days ago.
I’ll let you know how everything goes.
What’s funny (sort of) is that the bmb result says there’s about 3.2% infiltration at the biopsy site. It’s been as high as 60% for me. If all you did was look at the bmb, you’d think I was ok. The free light chains are increasing each week, and that’s probably what will get me qualified for the trial, along with the PET scan.
Sweet picture. Sorry to hear the news about your PET scan. Prayers this combo does what you need it to do. Would be interested in knowing your bone marrow results and how they relate to your PET scan results. This stage of MM is so challenging and can be overwhelming at times. Hugs and wishes for all the best results! Jan