The CCI-779 Drug I've Been Getting Now Has a New Name -- Torisel

The link below tells about the FDA's approval of the drug as "Torisel" on May 30. It was approved for use against renal cell carcinoma. My mantle cell lymphoma is the second disease in which the manufacturer is seeking FDA approval. One bright avenue that the May 30 action opens for me is "off-label use." That means that its approval for one use allows doctors to prescribe it for other uses, since its safety in human beings is now established. So, I may be able to have it prescribed for my treatment extending beyond the end of my clinical trial on November 15. Some interesting technical description of the drug's novel mode of action.

http://www.curetoday.com/breaking_news/Archives/torisel05.30.07.htm

Dennis L. Gibson, Ph.D.

Update on Dennis Gibson's Health

Scans taken last week show no growth of my cancer. No shrinkage either. So my condition is officially "stable." I was therefore able to receive treatment today with CCI-779. This is week #2 of Cycle #7, out of twelve, four-week cycles. My blood counts are improved. Platelets holding at 80,000. My energy level is very satisfying to me. My mental alertness is good. I would be content to live many more decades on this current schedule. But when the clinical trial is over, it will be up to me to work hard to persuade the drug company and the government and my insurance company to allow me to continue treatment with this drug that is not yet approved. "Compassionate use" is the term for this kind of exception, when someone else continues to pay for a not-yet-approved treatment, known to work for me, but beyond my means to afford. If I cannot succeed in that and my cancer starts growing, say next year at this time, I will return to actively searching for another form of treatment showing promise. One I've heard of is a transplant in Seattle. Another would be PR-171 in New York or North Carolina. It reminds me of a soldier home after three tours of duty in Iraq, now told that the Army is sending him there again. But I am God's and He may do with me as He pleases, and I am ardent to be pleasing to Him in how cheerfully and diligently I carry out His assignments.

Dennis L. Gibson, Ph.D.