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August 2009 St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center
www.svccc.org

Azra Raza, M.D. and Naomi Galili, Ph,D, from the MDS Program at SVCCC have received a 2 year, $275,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant will support the laboratory component of the clinical trial titled: A Prospective Trial of Revlimid® in Transfusion Dependent Patients with non-del(5q) Low/Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

The drug Revlimid (lenalidomide) is currently approved only for lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with a specific chromosome abnormality involving deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5. Clinical trials reported by Dr. Raza and colleagues have shown that while approximately 70% of patients with del(5q) cytogenetic abnormality respond to Revlimid by becoming completely transfusion independent, only 43% of patients without del(5q) respond.

Drs. Raza and Galili had done earlier work in MDS patients without del(5q) cytogenetic abnormality suggesting that patients who benefitted from lenalidomide had a different genetic signature in their bone marrow cells than those patients who did not benefit. Drs. Raza and Galili designed this study to compare the gene expression profiles of responders versus non-responders. The hope is that pre-screening patients for the expression signature will eventually allow clinicians to restrict use of this drug to only the patients likely to benefit.

Purpose

Cells in the bone marrow make proteins through messages that are carried from the genes. The amount of the message tells us if the protein it is going to make is high or low. This is known as expression of genes. The purpose of this study is to conduct a prospective trial testing the idea that expression of specific genes can help to predict which patients will respond to study drug administration with Revlimid (lenalidomide).

Eligibility

Several criteria must be met to be eligible for this study, including but not limited to the following:

  • Diagnosis of low/Intermediate-1 risk MDS with a non-del(5q) karyotype
  • Transfusion dependence
  • Eligible for treatment with Revlimid
  • Adequate cardiac, liver and kidney function
  • Age 21 and older

This summer, you may be traveling to attend a family wedding or spending a long weekend in the country. Whatever your traveling plans, it's good to relax and enjoy. But if you are being treated for cancer, there are some things you should know before you go.

  • Know your limits. Cancer and its treatment can make you feel weak so it's important to know your body's limits. Don't overschedule your trip and allow enough time so you can get to your destination without rushing.
  • Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of travel. Discuss your medical condition with your doctor before your departure. Your doctor will make an assessment if you are fit to travel.
  • Check your health insurance. Before your trip, make sure your health insurance plan will cover health costs in other states or if you should visit a certain provider for treatment.
  • Plan ahead for special travel needs with airlines. When you book your flight, alert the airlines of any special accommodations that may make your trip more comfortable. You may ask for early check-in, special equipment (e.g. a wheelchair) or a certain seat (e.g. an aisle seat may offer more leg room or allow you to walk around the plane.)
  • Keep medications with you. Don't put your medications in a suitcase that could get lost or delayed.
  • Bring important contact information. Have the contact information of your doctor and a family member on you at all times.

Here is a thirst-quenching summer beverage recipe from SVCCC's Registered Dietitian Shayne Robinson. It is cool, refreshing and the ginger may help with nausea.

HONEYED GINGERAIDE
INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • 1 piece of ginger root peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 Tbsp Honey
  • 2 cups ice
INSTRUCTIONS

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan, add ginger and boil for 5 minutes. Add lemon and honey; remove from heat, cover and steep mixture 5 minutes. Strain mixture, add ice. And serve. YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: approx 1 cup)

Did you know that many drugs and radiation therapy increase a person's sensitivity to the sun? Here are some tips to help you stay protected.

  • Always apply sun-block at least SPF30, and re-apply several times while in the sun.
  • Wear loose fitting clothes with tight weave or sun blocking clothes to cover as much of your body as possible.
  • Protect your face and neck by wearing a large brim hat that is at least 4".
  • Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 99-100% UVA/UVB rays.
  • There is NO SAFE way to get a tan…stay away from tanning beds!
  • Remember to protect your lips with a chap stick or gloss with SPF.
  • Try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10am-4pm when the sun is the strongest.