Hot off the press this morning! It seems that the Fenretinide study MAY reopen at the end of July and that Jonathan MAY have a spot to get on the study. We'll get the final answer by Wednesday but this is some nice positive news to start the weekend. At least we don't have to look at re-starting the accutane / cis-retinoic acid right now.
Just a little explanation on the whole study process. All / most of Jonathan's treatments are experimental treatments. None of them are tried and true and what this means is that most of these treatment options are not generally available to the public or 'most' hospitals. Since the treatments are experimental, it means that they are conducted as a study since the patients taking part need to be closely monitored. Just like any 'scientific' study, there are more rigid rules to follow - to get into the study, while doing the study and when the treatment is finished. As in any study the purpose is to figure out whether this treatment plan works. Some of the typical questions they are looking to get answered include: what is the correct mix of medicines or dosages to use, what are the possible side effects, are the drugs effective, etc...
As I was getting ready to submit this post - I got another reminder - and a good one at that - that until we know for sure - we have to be prepared for the possibility that Jonathan may not actually start the study at the end of July. We just have to wait and get the final verdict next week Wednesday.
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