Monday, 14 February 2011

Lucky Genes

I'm really lucky so far - nearly half way through my course of chemo and no nausea, diarrhoea or sickness. Most people taking Xeloda get at least one of these symptoms and others may have side effects so bad they have to switch to another drug. DNA plays a huge role in how we react to chemo. In future it's likely that the type prescribed will be matched up genetically - avoiding the side effects dodging hit and miss system we have now. I'm participating in a study which may progress this. 350 people currently on chemotherapy at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital are having DNA analysis through regular blood testing and cataloguing of side effects and effectiveness of the anti folate (5-FU) drug Xeloda. It's great to be able to have my medication as a pill at home rather than through an IV at hospital (and oral chemo has only been available for treatment of Dukes' C colorectal cancers like mine in the last few years). More research to refine the drugs and make them more user friendly can only be good news.
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6 comments:

  1. Anonymous14 February 2011 at 17:40

    Wow - a DNA research trial sounds exciting! Hope you are managing OK. Enjoy Valentine's Day with your two special girls! Amanda xx

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  2. Peter Wilson14 February 2011 at 21:31

    Yes, pharmacogenetics (as it's called!) is a really interesting and useful field.

    I get involved with some of the research work in my day job as a Patent Attorney. It can make medicines much more efficient and patients less prone to side effects like being held in customs for not having fingerprints.

    Nutrigenomics is another interesting area - tailoring your diet to your personal genetic make-up. I'd just go for the chocolate fudge cake, though. (Or Wagon Wheels)

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  3. Di C15 February 2011 at 08:20

    Hey Amanda - hope you had a good day with your 2 girls - one of mine was on a demo at county hall (mutts against the cuts) - and hope your man wasn't in Japan!

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  4. Di C15 February 2011 at 08:23

    So Peter - now we know what you get up to at work; bubbling test tubes and identifying super nutrition for elegant dancing (Chardonnay and Canapes maybe?) keep up the good work.
    X

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  5. Peter Wilson17 February 2011 at 23:03

    Yes, I used to do stuff in labs - I find a white coat can be quite fetching. These days, I provide the legal protection for inventions created by others. That can be quite fun as well.

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  6. Di C18 February 2011 at 00:39

    A White coat with Rhinestones would be cool.

    ReplyDelete

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