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Joined: 7/15/2009
Posts: 1
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Frontal lobe, one well-defined tumor, couple of CMs in size, some other small spots. She is in OK health, but somewhat frail - 79 yrs old, ~ 100 lbs. Original Merkell cell tumor on leg shin was well resected, no regrowth there, but regional (groin) lymph nodes were affected, and one lymph node near collar bone also enlarged Dr. here at University of Michigan CCC - Multidisciplinary Merkel Cell Carcinoma Program - is only suggesting oral chemo Etoposide for regional lymph treatment, and suggests that it could have a 20 - 30 % success on brain tumors. Questioned as to wisdom of also progressing with cyberknife to simultaneously attack brain tumors with radiotherapy. He want to "try this first".....is he really just providing palliative therapy for my mom, to extend her time on earth somewhat. Any thoughts about pressing harder for simulataneous cyberknife radiotherapy or a 2nd opinion on the recommended/prescribed treatment regimen??? Could really use a Dr.s' 2nd opinion on this....OR someone who knows of a similar case. Many thanks & God Bless.....
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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354
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I would not recommend not treating the brain metastases. Although chemotherapy is sometimes partially effective, it is not always, and the tumors may grow. Even if it has some success, it will only result in stabilization of some shrinkage, not in complete control. However, Merkel cell is like small cell carcinoma of the lung, and in this situation we would most likely treat with whole brain radiation therapy.
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org
Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 928
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Whole brain RT is the way to go here, at least as the initial approach.
Jerome J. Spunberg, M.D., FACR, FACRO
CyberKnife Center of Palm Beach
jspunberg@radiationoncologyinstitute.com
(561) 799-2828 Radiation Oncology Institute
10335 N. Military Trail, Suite C
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-1717
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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354
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Ahhhh........common ground.
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org
Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 928
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More often than not!
Jerome J. Spunberg, M.D., FACR, FACRO
CyberKnife Center of Palm Beach
jspunberg@radiationoncologyinstitute.com
(561) 799-2828 Radiation Oncology Institute
10335 N. Military Trail, Suite C
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-1717
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