Paraneoplastic Syndrome

Hi,

My 56 year old mother was diagnosed with Paraneoplastic syndrome in February. After discovering that the source was a result of breast cancer that she had 19 years ago reemerging as Ovarian cancer they were able to do chemotherapy in hopes that this would also halt the paraneoplastic syndrome. When this failed, she was sent to Rockefeller University hospital where she was administered combined doses of prednazone and tacrymus. She came back worse though and in addition to no longer being able to speak clearly, walk, see, talk in normal voice pitches she was also shaking. Today she is undergoing rehab and although we believe we've stopped the degeneration she still cannot walk or speak clearly or see or balance. Where can we turn from here. I've heard that maybe stem cell research could be an option. I don't know who to contact fro this though.

Please help

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Breast and Ovarian cancers can cause neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes, just like what your mother experienced. Usually, with treatment of the primary cancer, these paraneoplastic syndromes will resolve.  However, there are cases when even with treatment,  resolution of symptoms are not accomplished.
Treatment of this condition entails a multi-disciplinary approach, involving oncologists, neurologists.
It would be best to talk to these doctors and discuss other treatment options and prognosis.
Good luck.

[Dz685]

We are working with a Neurooncologist in Albany and we have worked with Dr. Darnell of Rockefeller University Hospital, Dr. Delamua the international rep of the disease and Posner of Sloan Kettering. Any other suggestions?

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
What are their recommendations and suggestions?
The best way to answer your question is to seek second opinion from other experts in the field.
It is also best to continue with rehab since this condition usually takes time before the neurologic deficits resolve.

[Dz685]

They said there is nothing they can do and to look into stem cell research. But I know nothing about this or who I would contact