Need info on side effects / toxicity of interferon alpha 2B

[Vega343]

Considering this course for out 9yr old after removal of primary tumor in the pelvis. She has multiple lung mets, I don't know how many, only described as 100's. We will talk with our oncologist, but his initial thought was only the success stories are published and the drug is very toxic. Can anyone let me know what they do about response, side effects, lack of response, risk, to this course of treatment?

[D.ap]

MJ
Here is a place to start to read some of our friends experiences

http://www.cureasps.org/forum/viewtopic ... Alfa#p4626
http://www.cureasps.org/forum/viewtopic ... eron#p4504

From the library at beginnig icureasps website

http://www.cureasps.org/bibliography/

[D.ap]

MJ
As you are very aware of there is a very long list of possible side effects that because of legalities have to be disclosed .
I would venture to say that a person would have to address the symptoms as they appear

If I might ask ,
What is the goal of the drug use?

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/interferon-alf ... fects.html
Sincerely
Debbie P

[Bonni Hess]

Dear MJ, Is Interferon being suggested by Prairie's oncologist, and if so, on what basis is he suggesting it? Does he have documented data to support his recommendation which validates a successful ASPS response to.this drug? If I remember correctly, those few ASPS patients who I am personally aware of who were treated with Interferon quite a few years ago unfortunately had a relatively unsuccessful.response to it with little tumor shrinkage and short term, if any, stabilization of their disease. However, each patient is different and may have a different response to different systemic treatments so it is always a difficult decision to make, and it needs to be based on as much research and anecdotal information as possible. My oldest sister was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow which is biologically similar to ASPS) about 25 years ago, was treated with traditional chemo, and then placed on a long term Clinical Trial Interferon regimen of daily injections for many years. VERY thankfully, she has now been in remission for about 23 years which is probably the result of the Interferon since her doctors have told her that 99% of the patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma when she was have tragically lost their battles. She discontinued the Interferon about five years ago and her disease has VERY thankfully remained in remission The side effects of the Interferon were chronic flu like symptoms but my sister courageously tolerated and endured them and was able to teach full time and raise 2 children as a single mother. I Hope this information is helpful to you. With special caring thoughts, healing wishes for precious Prairie, and continued Hope, Bonni