Question about getting into a clinical trial

Horrible news...my mom is definitely recurring.  Her CA-125 has increased dramatically.  She became platinum resistant immediately following treatment.  Her oncologist spoke with her surgeon and want her to get into a clinical trial.  Question...this clinical trial my moms oncologist and surgeon want her to get into to...they think she is a good candidate...but someone I guess on the selection committee or something has to look through her file. My question is...how difficult is it to get into a trial? Please help.

[nyc lady]

Alan, these were not the words that I wanted to hear.  I was hoping that she just had some weird glitch in her CA125.  

How long has it been since your mother's last chemo?  Just wondering if it is a recurrence, has she ever truly been in remission?  

I have no idea how they pick and choose who gets into clinical trials and who doesn't....but....there are lots of clinical trials as well as lots of other types of chemos available.  I also know that you are a fellow NY'er, is your Mom being treated at a major cancer center?  

Have they done another CT Scan?  Have they ruled out a 2nd surgery?

My thoughts remain with you and your family.

[ConcernedInNY]

Because of her age I dont think they will do a 2nd surgery...besides I dont think the surgery is the answer....she is platinum resistant...she needs a better drug.  Her CA-125 hit a low of 16...a month after her last treartment it rose to 33 and now 6 weeks later its at 103.  So something must be done fast.  Also, if she did have a 2nd surgery I think it could prevent her from being a candidate in some trials...Im not sure about that though.

We wanted to get her into Sloane but she doesnt want to go...plus, like anything else, some people love it, some dont.  But above all we have to keep her happy because she has to be confident and happy with her doctors.

Its a nightmare and Im devastated.

[ConcernedInNY]

Apart from the ovca, she is in good health...evennow she feels fine.  But she is platinum resistant now.  And I called the hotline and she told me about the low response rate of some of the drugs currently out there including 2 you mentioned.

So if her oncologist and surgeon feel this clinical trial is right for her, then I have to believe that this drug is better than whats currently out there.

Im making some more phone calls tomorrow.  The whole family has to fight for her.  I know nothing about these drugs but we will see what we can find out.

[nyc lady]

I agree about Sloan...I was just thinking about a 2nd opinion.  I wouldn't give up my doctors for anything either.  

I would guess that her age would make it difficult to get into some of the clinical trials, but, who knows what criteria they are basing the study on.  Just remember, there are other chemos out there if she doesn't get into the trial.  There is Gemzar, Doxil, Topetecan (I know the spelling is way off), Femara (which is more of an estrogen blocker type drug often used to keep a patient stable)...and these are just a few....I have a very good friend on her 4th recurrence and they keep trying different drugs, her doctors always tell her that we have lots more to try.

Like you have said, the important thing is that you mom is comfortable with her doctors and the decisions that are made about her health and her treatment.  She is lucky to have a wonderful son by her side.

Please continue to keep us posted.

[Anna-maria74]

You do a fantasitc job looking after your mum. I hope someone is looking after you, you sound frazzled!

Anna x

[Gatsby]

Allan, you know that we are all here for you.  Your mom is a strong lady and she has you by her side.  Keep the faith.
~Tascha