Side-effects of Interferon, rintatolimod, or Celecoxib?

[jaycey60]

Hi All,

L just found out she was randomized to the treatment arm in the Chemokine Modulatory Regimen Phase II study. She starts pre-treatment on July 20th Whooeee (I think).

I don't think anybody here was in it - but maybe some of you have had some of the ingredients? It's a mixture of IFN, celecoxib, and rintatolimod, given for 5 straight days (9am to 4pm!) the week before surgery.

So, help! It just entered Phase II (and we don't know the results of the Phase I toxicity study) so I'm really curious about side-effects, reactions - anything we should know going into it, anything she should take/do/avoid beforehand?

We've been holding our breath for a couple of weeks waiting for the results of the randomization, and now it feels scary to enter a study - has anybody else had this experience?

Jaycey

[jaycey60]

Someone said that Interferon causes flu-like symptoms. What does that mean??

[Sams wife]

We've been holding our breath for a couple of weeks waiting for the results of the randomization, and now it feels scary to enter a study - has anybody else had this experience?

Jaycey

Maybe you could pm dk37. I think that she is a researcher. She has a trial on the first page as a topic. Maybe you could ask there?

[jaycey60]

Thank you!

[Sams wife]

You're welcome. I hope the name is right. I think it is

[CRguy]

Someone said that Interferon causes flu-like symptoms. What does that mean??

Generally assumed to be similar to respiratory influenza (flu) as opposed to GIT stomach "flu" with vomiting and diarrhea etc. although that may also occur with a severe systemic reaction ( anaphylaxis / anaphylactoid reaction )
......signs may include cough, wheeze, breathing problems, fever (mild to moderate), general malaise, weakness and lethargy, muscular aches and pains and possible joint pains.

ANY treatment which activates / over-stimulates the immune system may potentially cause " flu-like symptoms "

just a quick FYI and not an all inclusive definition I am sure.... just what I have experienced personally and seen in patients myself.


as to celecoxib (Celebrex) the biggest concern is kidney function and GIT integrity. Celecoxib as an NSAID can be hard on the kidneys, so good GFR values are needed before the drug is used. My own experience is that GIT integrity is compromised and I could only do 2-3 days of Celebrex before I had diarrhea blowout worse than any chemo I have been on ! ... AND it should NOT be used with corticosteroids (dexamethasone) or other NSAIDS ... even ASA

a lot of this will be dose dependent and specific to individual patients ... SO just my own experience !

CR

[jaycey60]

This is super-helpful, CRGuy - thank you!

They wouldn't allow her to start the treatment protocol until 3 weeks after her last steroids, and she hasn't been allowed on aspirin or anything for the last 2 weeks - that must be why.

The symptoms you describe are useful to know about, so we can be prepared.

This is being taken for 5 days pre-surgery. Do you know if she can take Cimetidine at the same time as this 3-drug regimen?'

thanks very much for your reply.

[CRguy]

I think you would have to run that by the docs to be sure.

Best wishes to L moving ahead
Cheers
CR