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News on Ixempra and Xeloda for metastasis?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from JenniferJ: My friend is on Ixempra and Xeloda after liver mets (she is triple-negative and it metastasized quickly, but only to one spot). Have further studies been published on this combo since the last year's conference? What other chemo options should her docs consider if this is not effective?
Answers —Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: That is the best data that is currently available, with Ixempra (chemical name: ixabepilone) and Xeloda (chemical name: capecitabine). There are several studies ongoing with various drugs in combination with Ixempra and all we know is that it is a drug that appears to have good activity in breast cancer. One thing to consider, if the disease is only in the liver and is of limited extent, there are potentially some strategies to treat the liver locally. You can do chemoembolization or other similar strategies to target the liver specifically. But that is usually limited to a small number of lesions, 3 or 4 lesions, which is usually not the case for most patients that have liver involvement. What other strategies are there that may be specific to triple-negative disease? Platinum compounds (carboplatins) may be a particularly interesting drug, but I would also look for some investigational studies that are being done across the country targeting triple-negative disease. Being part of a clinical trial is a great way to get access to new drugs.
Carol Kaplan, M.D.: Next month's conference will be focusing on triple-negative breast cancer. The date is July 16 with Dr. George Sledge and Dr. Beth Baughman DuPree.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest research advances on screening, treatment, side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.PGenerosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.

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