HER/2 + Vaccine

Erica2

Sorry if this has been discussed but it would take me so long to scroll through all these boards to try and find out if anyone has ever posted on this before.  After I was diagnosed I did a ton of research and thought I'd ran into everything.  Then when things got going and I was into chemo and then rads I stopped doing research and stopped posting to these boards.  I have been off for about a year now.  Well recently I was asked to give a supportive phone call to a lady who is HER/2 positive in California so I thought I'd do a little research to bone up on things before speaking with her so I wouldn't sound too dumb.  I turned up something that was put out back in September of 2008 concerning a vaccine for HER/2 positive breast cancer.  After reading the article it sounded like they were truly on the verge of coming up with something to offer us that would truly wipe out this type of breast cancer.  I am posting the link here and would like to know if anyone else out there is up on this and has followed it.  I'd like to know the status of this right now and how long until this is made available.  I will also ask my own oncologist.  I have an appointment with him on July 6th and he is the type of doctor who is up on everything so he should have some answers for me.  Until then let me know if any of you have any news regarding this.  

Here is the link:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/121459.php

Look forward to discussing this positive news and hoping it proves fruitful for all of us. 

Hugs,

Erica 

Erica2

Here's another later link.  This sounds like an update from the company that plans to market the vaccine.

 http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/02/23/46112.aspx

Sounds like clinical trials are continuing in 2009.

Erica 

Sassa

The vaccine is in clinical trials and not available outside the clinical trial.

Erica2

Yes, Sassa.  I did not intend to imply it was on the market right now but if all turns out well as it looks like it may, it should be available sometime next year maybe on a limited basis but that's what I'm hoping.  Here is another amazing link by the folks who are doing the work to make this available.

 http://www.bavarian-nordic.com/breast_cancer 

LJ13-2

There are many clinical trials using Herceptin and attempting to create a vaccine. There are trials at Univ. of Arkansas and at Johns Hopkins. The Hopkins trials are in Stage 1 or 2, not sure about Univ. of Ark.

Don't be holding your breath for any of these. Lots of big problems to tackle before anything can get to market.

Maybe 10 years from now, they will be a little closer.

Erica2

This particular vaccine is not based on Herceptin-- as a matter of fact it is designed to help those who have become resistant to it.  It is some years out but it doesn't sound as bad as 10 years out.  I saw my doctor this morning...  the PA to my doctor said you probably don't want to be first in line to get it.  Insurance will not cover it initially anyway.... I'm thinking maybe 4 years out max before it is tested widely enough for insurance to cover it...