Caroline enrolled in the DFMO clinical trial at Vanderbilt in April 2019, immediately after completing the treatment protocol for her original diagnosis. She took 6 pills per day for 2 years...remaining cancer-free while taking the drug, and then relapsing within a year of stopping the medication. This time, Caroline will be getting "high-dose DFMO," which requires her to take 22 pills per day for 2 years (that's 16,060 pills!!!). DFMO is only available within clinical research trials, and only for a 2 year period. Unless the FDA approves this drug as a part of standard treatment and/or maintenance post-treatment, Caroline will have to stop taking DFMO in June 2025.
Vanderbilt and Levine have both been amazing through this process, and thankfully are willing to work together to minimize our travel. She will continue to go to Vanderbilt for monthly labs/tests and progress scans every 3 months, but will be required to travel to Levine to visit their clinic periodically to get the clinical trial medication.
Many thanks to Dr. Giselle Sholler, her team, and the Beat Childhood Cancer Foundation for remaining steadfast in their search for a cure to give these kids the best chance at life.
We will continue to post on this blog as there are updates. Thank you for your never-ending support, love and prayers for our family. Cancer sucks.
The Lantz Family
#carolinestrong
#ftgf
Caroline and Dr. Sholler
3 months of DFMO
So proud of you sweet C ! You are a pioneer ! Changing the world !!! 💜💛
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for continued good-improved health, prayers for safety in all travels, and joy in every aspect of life. Our prayers and wishes will continue....unending.
ReplyDeletePraying that this next 2 years will take care of this for Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers. you are also on my prayer groups prayer list.
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