So why are we doing this? What’s it all about? For me I wanted to invest myself in a challenge, something else to wrap my mind around, and get myself into an activity regimen that I wouldn’t let go of. It is also a way for us to stage some awareness of issues around healthcare and brain tumors with those around us, and those we contact through the LIVEStrong Challenge.
Most of you visiting this site know Beth and what has been going on with her over the past 6 years. For those who don’t, or for those who would like a little more info – here’s the background and some resources for more information about Brain Cancer.
After Beth’s first surgery the pathologist determined her tumor to be an Anapalastic Astrocytoma. The second surgery and pathology was “inconclusive”, although they seemed to think it was likely the same. Apparently after radiation treatments, tumor cells can appear much different and it isn’t possible to determine if that change is indeed from the radiation or from a change in tumor growth.
So what is an anapalastic astrocytoma… Any tumor that arises from the glial, or supportive tissue of the brain is called a “glioma.” One type of glioma is the astrocytoma. Astrocytomas are named after astrocytes, the star-shaped cells from which they grow. The word “anaplastic” means malignant. An anaplastic astrocytoma is a grade III, or mid-grade tumor. Gliomas are graded between I and IV, or low/mid/ or high.
Generally, the first step in the treatment of these tumors is surgery. The goals of surgery are to obtain tumor tissue for diagnosis and treatment planning; to remove as much tumor as possible; and to reduce the symptoms caused by the presence of the tumor. The tissue obtained during the biopsy is then used to confirm the diagnosis.
Surgical interventions are often followed by radiation or chemotherapy and sometimes both. After the first surgery Beth underwent radiation therapy but no chemo and after this last surgery, chemotherapy was determined to be the best next step.
Most chemotherapy drugs fall into one of two groups : cytotoxic drugs and cytostatic drugs. Cytotoxic drugs are designed to destroy tumor cells. They work by making tumor cells unable to reproduce themselves. Cystostatic drugs are used to alter the behavior of a tumor. These drugs work by changing the tumor’s environment. There are several different types of cytostatic drugs. For example, angiogenesis inhibitors are cytostatic drugs which stop the growth of new blood vessels around a tumor.
Beth’s first round of chemotherapy drugs was from the cytotoxic group, called Temodar. Each month Beth underwent an MRI scan and after four months the last scan showed an area of growth or change in the tumor indicating that Temodar was not effective. It has been recommended that Beth now start another protocol of therapy including both a cystostatic and cytotoxic agents. Plans are being worked out for her to start as soon as possible. The UW “Tumor Board” will meet this week to talk about the new developements and Beth and I will continue to do our research as well.
With both of the new drugs that are included in the new protocol, there are more side effects. Although every person reacts to each drug differently, there is a lot of apprehension about how this new regimen will go for Beth. To date, we don’t have the exact schedule, however we do know that Beth will need to go in to the hospital every other week for an hour or so for the infusions.
Awareness
