Dr. M. called...after meeting with the Tumor Board, Radiation Oncologist, and the Surgeon, he feels that surgery is the best option at this time. We were able to get the surgeon that we requested, Dr. Philip Gutin, who is the Chief of Neurosurgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. I am thrilled that he has agreed to take on Ken's case. It is my understanding that Dr.Gutin feels that he will be able to remove the entire tumor. Opting for surgery has many advantages over the clinical trial. If Ken were to participate in the trial, he would need to remain on the Avastin permanently, thereby making him ineligible for other therapies. Having the surgery will not only remove the tumor itself (always the best option!) but also allow them to test for Molecular abnormalities and to grade the tumor. Thankfully, Dr. M. feels that the tumor is a grade III, but it is still possible that it is a grade IV,and the only way to know is to take it out. I inquired about the genetic mutation IDH1, and he responded that while there is no medication available at this time, they would test the tumor for the genetic mutation so when a targeted therapy does become available, we will know if Ken qualifies. When the previous surgery was performed three years ago, they didn't even know to test for these things yet. Such advances have been made in so short of a time! So having the surgery (and not being on Avastin) could potentially open the door for future treatments for Ken.
As scary as brain surgery is, we do feel that it is the best option at this time, and, while not a cure, could "reset the clock" on Ken's cancer. I also truly feel that with Dr. Gutin we are in the very best possible hands.
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