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Biotech / Medical : Celgene-CELG -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mike K who wrote (372)	11/5/1999 10:40:00 AM
From: Biomaven	Respond to of 804

Mike, Pleased to hear that you are having some positive results, sorry to hear about the side effects. Are you on a high or low dose? I agree that Thal is no magic bullet, either for MM or other cancers. Unfortunately it seems to take a few years to figure out the optimal usage of these drugs, in terms of dosage, timing of use and combinations with other agents. Peter

To: Mike K who wrote (372)	11/5/1999 7:10:00 PM
From: Joseph Hertel	Respond to of 804

Hi Mike, I am not a holder of CELG stock, but my father just started taking Thalimod (1000mg/day) yesterday. He has colon cancer that has spread to the liver (and beyond probably). I approached our oncologist about thalomid, and he said he just returned from a cancer seminar in Boston and stated the talk of the oncology world was thalidomide. So he concurred with a Dr. Howard Fine (who has conducted studies on thalidomide) and they decided an initial high dose was necessary. Chemo did little for my father's condition, so this is his last hope. Feel free to send me a note to my inbox on your side affects. I would be interested to learn what to expect in my father's case. Thanks Joe

To: Mike K who wrote (372)	11/7/1999 10:54:00 PM
From: Miljenko Zuanic	Respond to of 804

Hi Mike: Glad to hear that T have some positive results in your case. However, in regards the next paragraph, I (as layman)do not agree with your view. <<I'm sure many people who don't have cancer may take the view that a few side effects are worth it if the disease is cured. At this point no researcher including Barlogie is talking cure. I don't think that thalidomide will be the magic bullet. It will be used to delay the start of chemotherapy as is the case with me. It will also be used for refractory patients.>> I agree that T side effects are and can be very serious, so cautious is more than recommended. However, when we discuss cancer therapy and drugs there is no magic bullet and probably will not be for while (if ever). So, it is not point to cure (it is simple out of reach for many cancer pts), but it is point when one can leave much longer and healthy than what today is achievable. T will hardly work (because of the dose limiting side effects) as stand alone drug, but in combination with CHOP or radiation (also as first line and forefront approach) and as preventive (in yours case) it may be good new drug for variety of cancer. There is now way (based on current results and experience) to predict what will be T results in real word. So far results are promising, and further trials will be moving forward at faster rate than today. For instance, latest press release reported results which are known and no event at all. I hate when someone wrote like this: <from CELG news> <<An update of the ACRC trial was also presented at this meeting.>> It leave me with impression that I (one who read news) am stupidest that stupid monkey. We all know that T + CHOP for early MM results are ones which count, so why mentioned trial and update when they do not release results (which will probably be released at conf. in Dec.) My point is that several ongoing trials where T efficiency is testing at condition which are close to reality may give as correct answers. Hope, you will continue to do well. Miljenko PS: One question. Are T side effects continue to be with some intensity, or adaptation period and tolerability are more acceptable by time?