April 19, 2005 (Vol. 2, No. 2)
The LTFU newsletter is sent quarterly to people who have undergone treatment through Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's transplant program.
Read this e-newsletter online at: http://www.fhcrc.org/about/pubs/enews/ltfu-enews/2005-04/

Dear Friends:

After a successful bone-marrow or stem-cell transplant, patients often have lingering concerns about relapse or recurrence of malignancy. Having information about the treatments that might be available in such a situation can often help people deal with these concerns. This issue of the LTFU Newsletter includes information about a study of the results of second transplants in children who had recurrent acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after a previous transplant. This newsletter also includes questions and answers about other types of treatment for relapse or recurrence of malignancy. The LTFU is available to assist patients and their physicians in finding the best treatment if relapse should occur. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (206) 667-4415 if you need further information about this problem.

Sincerely,
Paul Martin, M.D.


Frequently Asked Questions
1. What treatments are available if a relapse occurs after transplant?
Treatment options will depend on the particular circumstances for each person, including the original diagnosis. However, there are several different types of treatment that may be available.

Read more details at: http://www.fhcrc.org/clinical/ltfu/faqs/relapse.html#a


2. What is a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)?
Donor lymphocyte infusion is a method used after an allogeneic transplant to help the body destroy any remaining malignant cells.

Read more detatils at: http://www.fhcrc.org/clinical/ltfu/faqs/relapse.html#b


3. What is Gleevec, and when is it used to treat leukemia?
Gleevec is a therapy used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) when a DNA abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome is present.

Read more details at: http://www.fhcrc.org/clinical/ltfu/faqs/relapse.html#c


Former Patient Profile
Improving the odds
Diana Brutoco used to tell her kids, "Just do it!" before Nike did.
That positive attitude helped the Southern California resident overcome long odds to beat cancer — and inspired an effort that helped improve the odds for countless patients to come.

For more about Diana Brutoco at:
http://www.fhcrc.org/patient/patient_stories/diana.html


Staff Profile
Keeping track of patients A through K
If you are a post-transplant patient and your last name begins with a letter from A to K, then you probably know LTFU program coordinator Erin McIlrath. She certainly knows you.

Read more about Erin McIlrath at:
http://www.fhcrc.org/clinical/ltfu/staff/mcilrath.html


Featured Readings
A second chance for children
A second transplant can offer a cure for some children with an aggressive form of leukemia whose cancer returns after their first stem-cell transplant, according to a recent Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study.

Read more about second transplant for treating relapse at:
http://www.fhcrc.org/clinical/ltfu/news/article1.html


Educational Events
Brown Bag Discussion
This group provides peer support and education to participants. All transplant and returning follow-up patients are welcome to attend and share their experiences. Participation can be in person or by conference call. A faculty member will join us one or two weeks a month to provide insight and education on various aspects of the transplant process. This group is co-facilitated by a clinical social worker and an LTFU nurse. Bring your lunch if pressed for time. Space is limited to 50 participants.

When: Every Thursday, 12-1 p.m.

Where: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 825 Eastlake Ave. E., Sixth Floor, Room 23

To participate in the discussion via conference call, dial 1-620-782-8214. At the prompt, enter 19427#. You will be charged a long-distance fee. If you need financial help, we can provide you with a phone card.

Questions? Contact Noelle Meluskey at (206) 288-1137.


If you have any medical or long-term follow-up questions, call (206) 667-4415.
If you have comments or questions about the newsletter or would like to be added to or deleted from our mailing list, contact Kathy Erne at (206) 667-4745 or by e-mail at ltfunews@fhcrc.org. You are also welcome to subscribe to receive an electronic version of the newsletter via e-mail by visiting http://www.fhcrc.org/about/pubs/enews/ltfu-enews/index.html.



Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home of three Nobel laureates, is an independent, nonprofit research institution dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical technology to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases.

For information on Fred Hutchinson's privacy policy, go to:
http://www.fhcrc.org/termsofuse_privacypolicy.html

ISSN 1541-7177
Copyright 2005
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
www.fhcrc.org