Posted by Admin
Post Date : Friday June 29 2007

DG was diagnosed with glioblastoma stage 4 in 2004 at 4 years of age. In the same month he had a craniotomy and resection to remove visible tumor from the left temporal and frontal lobe. The tumor was found to be very aggressive and despite treatment, it was unlikely he would survive. The surgeon and oncologist predicted at best a 5-12 month lifespan with treatment. In May 2004 he started radiation treatment consisting of 33 rounds over 45 days. He was also given 70 mg Temador during the same time period until he completed the radiation treatment. After that time, he stopped the Temador for 4 weeks; then took a higher 150 mg dose for 5 days; then stopped it for 23 days, then went back on the Temador for 5 days. He repeated 10 rounds of this protocol and completed it by April of 2005. He started Poly-MVA during his Temador/radiation treatment in June 2004 and quickly went up to 8 teaspoons per day. There was an immediately change in his energy and tolerance to treatment. He did not suffer side effects severe enough to interrupt treatment and his blood analysis remained stable. Unlike most patients taking Temador, he was able to tolerate the treatment and did not need to cut back or stop the medication. His progress was followed with an MRI. Up until March 2005, there was no visible return of tumor. The MRI taken in March of 2005 revealed a suspicious lesion and it was difficult to tell if it was necrosis or return of tumor. His PET scan taken in the same month did not reveal any enhanced update indicative of cancer. DGs’ parents immediately increased his dose of Poly-MVA to 12 tsp/day for 3 months until May 2005 when his next MRI was clear. In May of 2005 he cut his dose of Poly-MVA to 6 tsp/day. Another MRI taken January 2007 was also clear and his parents wanted to give him a little break from the Poly-MVA and cut his dose to 2 tsp/day. In April 2007, there was a large shadow on the MRI. Once again, it was most probably necrosis, but it was impossible to be absolutely sure. He immediately went up to 8 tsp/day. His follow up MRI in May 2006, showed no return of tumor and evidence of necrosis. He is now on 10 tsp/day of Poly-MVA and will remain on this dose for an extended period of time. The necrosis of the tumor is causing some vomiting which is beginning to subside and is intermittent. He is also taking Decadron for the short term until the necrosis is complete. He is working with several therapists and is making excellent progress. The weakness on his right side is improving and his speech is improved and he no longer stutters. He is very active and plays baseball and soccer. His oncologist is amazed at his results and continues to monitor his progress.

Case study written by Dr. Shari Lieberman as a part of the Poly-MVA Best Case Series.