Spring 2007
(Vol. 4,
No. 2)
The LTFU newsletter is sent quarterly to people who have undergone treatment through Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's transplant program.
Dear friend of LTFU,
This edition of the LTFU LifeLinks newsletter features the results of a clinical trial of a drug treatment for chronic GVHD of the stomach and intestines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing the study results in order to determine whether this new formulation of a previously approved drug can be marketed as a treatment for acute GVHD of the gut. Studies of this medication for treatment of acute GVHD started more than 10 years ago. Advances in medicine usually result from years of work, and improvements occur incrementally, over long periods of time. Each small advance builds on previous knowledge. We are currently planning a clinical trial to test whether the same drug formulation can prevent acute GVHD. Without the participation of patients in studies such as these, we could not develop the new treatments necessary to improve results after transplantation.
Best regards,
Paul Martin, M.D.
Director, Long-Term Follow-Up
Featured Readings
Controlling gastrointestinal GVHD
Hutchinson Center researchers have completed a Phase III clinical trial to study the effect of a promising drug therapy to combat graft-vs.-host disease in stem-cell patients.
Read more »
Staff Profile
Jeni Schiffman
Jeni Schiffman is one of the friendly voices who answers your calls to LTFU. And while she's helping put you in touch with physicians and nurses, she's studying to become an oncology nurse herself.
Read more »
Former Patient Profile
Edwin Sedan
Edwin Sedan was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia while he and his wife were planning their wedding. After a successful mini-transplant, Edwin is now a Hutchinson Center volunteer, reaching out to communities of color.
Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves that transmit information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. It is common in transplant patients, but there are things that can be done to minimize the problem.
Read more »
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 1-620-635-9555. At the prompt to enter a PIN number, enter 368333 followed by the # symbol. You will be charged a long-distance fee. If you need financial help, we can provide you with a phone card.
Questions? Contact Long-Term Follow-Up at (206) 667-4415.
Questions?
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 2007
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
www.fhcrc.org
