From: "Dr. D. Kossove" <doctordee@telkomsa.net>
Subject: Telomerase Vaccine Trial at Dana Farber
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2004 2:04 AM

Date:    Thu, 15 Jan 2004 11:19:01 -0800
From:    Sharon Anderson <TaikoMom@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Vaccine Trial at Dana Farber

I phoned today & got encouraging information from Dr. Nicolas Haining, who
is running the vaccine trial at Dana Farber called:
Phase I Study of Telomerase: 540-548 Peptide Vaccine and Sargramostim
(GM-CSF) in Patients With Sarcoma or Brain Tumor.


*       You do not have to have a current tumor to participate.
*       You must have HLA type A-2
*       You must be stage 3 or 4
*       You can NOT have any previous chemo treatment.
*       It involves multiple trips to Dana Farber, staying for 3-4 days each trip.
There are other medical qualifications, but these are the most pertinent to
screen for upfront. (see link below for details)


We discussed safety, side effects, stem cell or immune system considerations
on the phone.
Of the 7 participants so far, and in similar other trials of this, there
have been no serious health concerns.
You will (if it is working) develop an immune response to the vaccine,
especially in the early treatments, which produce flu like symptoms.
He does not anticipate any permanent damage or consequences from this
vaccine at all.  But, must advise there can be risk, as this is a phase I.

There are still recruiting.  You can call the coordinating nurse
practitioner, Richard Boyajian (617) 632-5137 for further information.
Here is the link to the Clinical Trial listing:
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center at Dana Farber Cancer Institute;  W.
Nicholas Haining, BM, BCh, Protocol chair   Ph: 617-632-5293
Phase I Study of Telomerase: 540-548 Peptide Vaccine and Sargramostim
(GM-CSF) in Patients With Sarcoma or Brain Tumor
www.nci.nih.gov/ClinicalTrials/view_clinicaltrials.aspx?cdrid=301622&protoco
lnum=&version=healthprofessionals&protocolsearchid=585557
<http://www.nci.nih.gov/ClinicalTrials/view_clinicaltrials.aspx?cdrid=301622
&protocolnum=&version=healthprofessionals&protocolsearchid=585557>


If you are interested and think you may qualify, would you send me a private
email to let me know?  I will try to share any updates.

Sending love and hope,

Sharon in San Francisco
TaikoMom@sbcglobal.net <mailto:TaikoMom@sbcglobal.net>

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