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What is the case for drug therapy?
Hi Gary. Jim Kufis here.
I have been taking Revlimid (5mg every other day) for one year and it has worked wonders for me. I have been transfusion independent for the last year and I do not have the 5q- karyotype but do have an abnormal karyotype of chromosome 3. I think with Revlimid you can only try it to determine if it is going to work. Reports I have read indicate it works 25% to 50% of the time for patience that are not 5q-.
I have also read about Dacogen and Vidaza and it appears that Vidaza is the better choice. However, my Hematologist says that they are very similar.
With regard to a bone marrow transplant, I am 71 and I do not consider this a good option for me. If you are substantially younger, this is the best choice if you can find a donor that is good match. The procedure for the BMT is difficult but if it works it is worth it.
I wish you the best of health and know you will make decisions that are best for you.
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