Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation - Blog Science Connections

Panel Discussion: Session V 527
collection for grafting—when we went back to examine samples from the 1 liter
we did collect, we were again able to find positive cells. So I think that in this kind
of disease, we have probably more than 80% of patients with some positive cells
in the bone marrow.
DR. A. ELIAS: 1 want to agree with Gary concerning the lack of referrals for
small cell lung cancer. At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute we are attempting an
induction-phase protocol followed by high-dose combined alkylating agents for
consolidation in small cell lung cancer. I would say that the likelihood is small
that most practitioners are impressed by the short-term favorable responses in
small cell lung cancer. I think that's one reason why we're not seeing patients,
because there are plenty of patients out there who are suitable.
DR. SPITZER: Yes, I think basically if the data coming out of Vanderbilt are
correct and our preliminary data on the Cytoxan, etoposide, and platinum in
small cell lung cancer are true, we're going to have to possibly pool our
resources to try to get a definitive study done in limited-disease oat cell. Michel, I
just wanted to ask you one question. What is the difference in these antibodies
that you're reporting and the panel that was reported by Sam Bemall of
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on the detection of small cell lung cancer and
relative frequency of upgrading the extent in these studies versus yours?
DR. SYMANN: Referring to the Dana-Farber study, because we used three
monoclonal antibodies, a number of limited-disease patients became extensive
disease because bone marrow was involved. All monoclonal antibodies were
not as selective as the SMI from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute because this one
was able to discriminate between squamous and oat cell; ours were not. Just
thinking about your concern about the decrease of your referral, in Europe we
have a different problem. Lung cancer is usually seen first by pulmonary
specialists and the problem is those people don't like to send their patients to
oncologists because they feel they are losing them. So, the struggle is just at the
beginning of the disease.
DR. FREI: Dr. Lazarus, as far as I understand it, you had six patients with
previously treated unresectable non-small cell lung cancer, right? Did you see
any partial or complete response in these patients?
DR. LAZARUS: Yes, there were several responses in patients that were
previously treated.
DR. FREI: Previously refractory to standard regimen?
DR. LAZARUS: Yes, that's right. I'll have to get the data for you later. I think
there were two patients.