Author |
Topic Search Topic Options
|
johnmc
Groupie
Joined: Jun 18 2010
Location: NJ
Status: Offline
Points: 47
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Feb 28 2011 at 10:28pm |
Thanks for the posting Donna!
|
|
outnumbered
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 02 2009
Location: New Jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 525
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 10:17am |
Just got back from C4YW and the metformin thing did come up a little. Nothing too specific and nothing more to add to what you all have posted. However, a lightbulb went on in my head and I am intrigued. As some of you know, I have been baffled by the fact that I am BRCA1+ as is my mother, however, she has not developed any cancer. Now I know the BRCA1+ puts us at 80% lifetime risk and perhaps she is in the 20%, or perhaps (God Forbid) its a not yet scenario, but I have nonetheless been intrigued.
Well, my Mom has been on metformin for many years. Although it did not prevent anythig in Cheeks' case, perhaps it did for my Mom. Or maybe its a preventative for BRCA+ tnbcers. I know its a stretch, but why not?
Anyway, I have written an email to the contacts on the trial. Lets see if I get any response.
|
~Sara
DX @ age 40 6/24/08 Stage 1 Grade 3 BRCA1+ 187delAG
BMX (nipple-areola-sparing) 8/5/08
Redo BMX (remove nipple and areola) w/ Lat Flap 7/6/09
BSO 9/3/09
NED since 08/05/2008
|
|
mainsailset
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 27 2008
Location: Washington State
Status: Offline
Points: 5004
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 10:24am |
Sara, that is fascinating, fingers crossed you can get a response!
|
dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor
3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 12:38pm |
Sarah,
Good news indeed. I can't help think there maybe some link and possibly help for us TNBCers.
Donna
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
outnumbered
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 02 2009
Location: New Jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 525
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 2:25pm |
Here is the response I got...
Thank you for the email.
It is not possible to state the exact role that metformin may have had in your mothers situation.
However, a series of observational studies published in the past 5 years have reported reduced cancer incidence and/or mortality among diabetics who receive metformin (versus other drugs) to treat type 2 diabetes.
While this data cannot be used to prove that metformin has a role in preventing or treating breast cancer, it does provide a rationale for evaluating metformin in well designed clinical trials such as MA.32.
Best of luck with everything,
|
~Sara
DX @ age 40 6/24/08 Stage 1 Grade 3 BRCA1+ 187delAG
BMX (nipple-areola-sparing) 8/5/08
Redo BMX (remove nipple and areola) w/ Lat Flap 7/6/09
BSO 9/3/09
NED since 08/05/2008
|
|
dmwolf
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 22 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 3619
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 3:12pm |
I like your new pic, Sara. :) d
|
DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10.
|
|
outnumbered
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 02 2009
Location: New Jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 525
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 3:13pm |
Thanks... You do know what it represents, right?
|
~Sara
DX @ age 40 6/24/08 Stage 1 Grade 3 BRCA1+ 187delAG
BMX (nipple-areola-sparing) 8/5/08
Redo BMX (remove nipple and areola) w/ Lat Flap 7/6/09
BSO 9/3/09
NED since 08/05/2008
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 5:04pm |
No, please tell us.
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
outnumbered
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 02 2009
Location: New Jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 525
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 5:23pm |
Well Donna, I know its been a while but it looks like you may be able to re-join the club now.
She is the false alarm queen. At least that is exactly what I thought of when I bought her. All that talk months ago of ball gowns and tiara's....
|
~Sara
DX @ age 40 6/24/08 Stage 1 Grade 3 BRCA1+ 187delAG
BMX (nipple-areola-sparing) 8/5/08
Redo BMX (remove nipple and areola) w/ Lat Flap 7/6/09
BSO 9/3/09
NED since 08/05/2008
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 5:59pm |
Thanks Sarah. What a wonderful idea for the false alarms! So much easier than trying to fit into that ball gown and tiara. Hope to be back into that category soon.
Donna
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
dmwolf
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 22 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 3619
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 7:53pm |
Oh my gosh, that is SO wonderful!! I should have guessed. :) love, d
|
DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10.
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 01 2011 at 8:33pm |
Maybe you could provide a link where we can buy them for the false alarms:) I want one because I want all my future alarms to be false!
Donna
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 23 2011 at 7:26pm |
Constantine from the No Surrender Breast Cancer Survivor Forum was commenting on a question about IPT. In his reply, he touched on Metformin. Here's the excerpt: And mounting
evidence is moving massively in the opposite direction, namely of
finding that anti-glycemic agents like the anti-diabetic drug metformin (Glugophage),
and anti-glycemic diets, are recurrence and metastasis risk-reductive,
the reason being, in part as I have hypothesized and brought evidence to
support, via influence over the primitive development molecular pathway
known as MTOR, which as I have predicted, along with the Hedgehog pathway family and their intersection with cancer stem cells (CSC),
is the focal point of an explosion of translational and clinical
research bringing us closer to a cure for breast and other cancers. Deeply underlying pathways like mTOR and Hedgehog, Wnt, and Notch is, I predict, where we will find the answers. But
in the present state of accumulated knowledge, robust scientific
evidence speaks clearly: simplifying greatly, we want less, not more,
insulin.
http://www.nosurrenderbreastcancersurvivorforum.org/
Edited by 123Donna - Mar 23 2011 at 7:29pm
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 24 2011 at 6:25pm |
I've asked about Metformin and will probably start taking it next month after I'm finished with chemo. Besides reducing insulin levels, I was also advised to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Try to go as much Vegan as possible and stick with fish or chicken. Only eat red meat on occasion but not every day. I've made an appointment with a Dietitian next month.
And of course, exercise! The exercise part I've been lacking since this chemo is currently so fatiguing that just going to work and doing as much of my daily chores around the house just wear me out. I hope to feel better in a few weeks where I can be more active.
Donna
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
Littlesis
Newbie
Joined: Jan 17 2011
Location: pittsburgh, pa
Status: Offline
Points: 21
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 25 2011 at 7:07am |
Donna,
How did you get your doctor to agree to prescribe Metformin for you? I showed my sister Natalie some of the studies I found here and from doing my own research and she seemed interested. I think she wants to ask her doctor about the Metformin studies, but is a little reluctant. She is only about half way through chemo at the moment.
|
my sister
age 44 at diagnosis now 45
dx 12/10 IDC TN, Stg 1 or 2
BRCA 1&2- (though fam hx)
4 DD Taxotere, 1 AC down 3 to go.
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 25 2011 at 7:19am |
Littlesis,
I think she was aware of the trials and studies behind reducing insulin levels and the potential anti-tumor benefits. I mentioned it in an attempt to try anything to prevent a recurrence. We just don't have any adjuvant therapy besides chemo available to us. She also stressed to me the importance of diet (anti-inflammatory) and exercise. These last two I need to work harder on once I'm done with chemo.
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
Littlesis
Newbie
Joined: Jan 17 2011
Location: pittsburgh, pa
Status: Offline
Points: 21
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Mar 25 2011 at 9:50am |
Thanks Donna. I have some studies Natalie asked me to print off for her to share with her doctor next appt. Hopefully she's on top of the latest info out there. I know my sis is already working on her diet and wants to add more exercise to the mix when she's able. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Nat starts A/C first week of April.
|
my sister
age 44 at diagnosis now 45
dx 12/10 IDC TN, Stg 1 or 2
BRCA 1&2- (though fam hx)
4 DD Taxotere, 1 AC down 3 to go.
|
|
123Donna
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 24 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Status: Offline
Points: 13509
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Apr 15 2011 at 7:48am |
New Test Identifies Cancer Patients To Benefit From 10p-A-Day Diabetes DrugScientists have developed a new test to identify patients with aggressive breast cancer who could benefit from a 10p-a-day diabetes drug.
They used a new method based on the food cancer
cells eat to predict which patients had a poor prognosis. Excitingly,
they suggest these patients could benefit from metformin, a cheap and
safe diabetes drug which is showing great potential as a cancer
treatment.
The findings come from the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit at
the University of Manchester and Thomas Jefferson University in the USA
and are published today in the journal Cell Cycle.
Professor Michael Lisanti, from the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research
Unit at the University of Manchester, said: "We've shown that the
saying, 'you are what you eat' holds true for cancer. The food cancer
cells consume is crucial to how well a patient does and what treatment
they need.
"If cancer cells are consuming high-energy food, this makes a tumour
more aggressive and harder to treat. However, patients could benefit
from metformin, which cuts off this fuel supply. There is more work to
do but this test could be an important new way of tailoring treatments
to a patients needs, across a range of cancers."
Professor Lisanti's team first looked at cells in the laboratory and fed
them high-energy foods, known as lactate and ketones. They found which
genes were expressed based on this fuel supply, and developed a gene
signature based on this.
They then looked at 219 breast cancer patients and studied which cancer
cells fed on ketones and lactate. This food comes healthy cells nearby.
They found those patients with cancer cells which consumed high levels
of ketones and lactate were more likely to have their disease return,
for it to spread to other organs and to die. The test combines the gene
signature with the ketone and lactate food supply. This could show
which patients are likely to have a poor prognosis - with those same
patients potentially benefiting from metformin.
Professor Anthony Howell, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Research Unit in Manchester, said: "We have discovered important new
insights into how cancers feed themselves. It is a step towards having
each patient get the right treatment for them - what we call
personalised medicine. We are looking at a new way to separate patients
based on who should respond well to the treatments we have, and who
might need something different.
"It is particularly encouraging that some of those treatments might
already be in the doctor's drug cabinet, and cheap to prescribe. We have
some way to go but we hope that drugs like metformin will be saving
lives of breast cancer patients over the next few years."
Source Breakthrough Breast Cancer
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/222376.php
|
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
|
|
Littlesis
Newbie
Joined: Jan 17 2011
Location: pittsburgh, pa
Status: Offline
Points: 21
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Apr 15 2011 at 8:51am |
Donna,
Thanks for posting this article. This is encouraging. I'm going to forward this link to my sister.
By the way, I've been meaning to tell you that I love your new picture.
Tonya
|
my sister
age 44 at diagnosis now 45
dx 12/10 IDC TN, Stg 1 or 2
BRCA 1&2- (though fam hx)
4 DD Taxotere, 1 AC down 3 to go.
|
|
Pink Warrior
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 11 2009
Location: Missouri
Status: Offline
Points: 374
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Apr 15 2011 at 2:13pm |
I can't get my oncologist to prescribe it. =/
|
Dx:10/09,IDC Stg 2,Gr 3,TN
BRCA 1&2 -
Partial DD EC/AC
Local recur 11/10
BMX 12/10 Right proph
TC x 4 Rads x 33
9/11 Skin mets, mediastinal & hilar nodes
Abraxane/Avastin
|
|