Tag: Weill Cornell

Weill Cornell Clinical Trial: PD 0332991 Plus Bortezomib in Patients With Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is characterized by a genetic defect that results in increased production of a protein called Cyclin D1. Another protein called Cdk4/6 works together with Cyclin D1 to release a brake on cell replication. For that reason, mantle cell lymphoma cells replicate more rapidly than other cells.

PD 0332991 is an investigational oral drug (i.e., a pill) that specifically inhibits Cdk4/6. Data from our lab and from an earlier clinical trial performed at Weill Cornell Medical Center suggest that PD 0332991 is able to stop lymphoma cells from replicating in some patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

Bortezomib (Velcade) is approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. Data from our laboratory suggests that PD 0332991 and bortezomib can work together to kill lymphoma cells more effectively than either drug alone.

In this study, we are testing different doses of the combination of PD 0332991 and bortezomib. We hope to learn how to safely combine the two drugs. We also hope to learn more about how both drugs work so that we can use them more effectively in the future.

To learn more about this study, please contact June Greenberg, RN at (212) 746-2651 or email June at  jdg2002@med.cornell.edu.

Click here to view the clinical and research profile of Dr. Peter Martin, the physician leading the study. Click here to view all non-Hodgkin clinical trials at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Research Leads to Cures: Weill Cornell Medical College

Lymphoma in the News: Routine Surveillance PET/CT Scans Prone to False Positives

By Peter Martin, MD

There are few guidelines on how best to follow patients in complete remission after chemotherapy for lymphoma. Most experts agree that routine visits to the doctor are worthwhile. The question of routine imaging, however, is less clear. Historically, routine chest x-rays were replaced by CT scans under the assumption that more information was better. We are facing a similar shift in paradigm as many patients now undergo routine PET/CT imaging.

A recent study published in the journal Leukemia & Lymphoma found that only 21% of positive surveillance PET/CT scans represented actual relapse; i.e., 79% of patients with scans that were read as positive had not relapsed. Patients with false-positive scans therefore underwent additional scanning and invasive biopsies with no benefit. Moreover, the scans added over $8000 per patient to the cost of follow up. A related study performed at Weill Cornell Medical College found that routine scanning was associated with significant anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

Until there is better evidence to guide decisions regarding routine surveillance, it is important to talk with your doctor. Ask about the pros and cons as they apply to you personally. Try to agree on a plan that is acceptable to both of you.