Zombie Time: Almost Time To Start Drug Trial

So back from the last triathlon, hanging out with the mouse at Disney. Had my biopsy to see if I qualify for the drug study.  I am pretty much assured that I am in, though the biopsy could bounce me. 

Keeping myself occupied after the biopsy taking selfies of my feet.

Will find out shortly.  If I am good to go, I start next week.

It is a bit weird now.  I know that the standard therapy will only usually work for a year in general.  Though some people last longer.  The immunotherapy may work to stop things or even reverse things.  But it is a wild card.  Though it is generally thought to be safe and well tolerated, there is a chance the auto immune response can turn on the body itself.  The usual worst case scenarios, which are somewhat rare, is diabetes or thyroid issues.  Neither are plesant, but both controllable and easier than cancer.  There can be more extreme reactions.

When there is a puppy dog around, even if just on TV,
it makes a biopsy feel more warm and
 fuzzy than it would otherwise.  Kind of.

So there is the part of doubt creeping in about whether I should just go with what is out there and known.  But if the drug trial does not work, there should be time for me to got back to the other regular treatments out there. Sigh. 

Anyway, this is the drug that is in my trial.   A bit past my pay grade in understanding, but I get the general idea.  Cancer treatment will eventually be going this way, with more personalized treatments.


anti-GITR agonistic monoclonal antibody INCAGN01876
An anti-human glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (tumor necrosis factor superfamily, member 18; TNFRSF18; GITR; CD357) agonistic humanized monoclonal antibody, with potential immune checkpoint modulating activity. Anti-GITR antibody INCAGN01876 binds to and activates GITRs found on multiple types of T cells. This stimulates the immune system, induces both the activation and proliferation of tumor-antigen-specific T-effector cells (Teffs), and suppresses the function of activated T-regulatory cells (Tregs). This leads to tumor cell eradication. GITR, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily and T-cell receptor co-stimulator, is expressed on the surface of multiple immune cell types, including Tregs, Teffs, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Inappropriately activated Tregs suppress Teffs and suppress T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Check for active clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)