[Greg H]

Hey PFMD!
Though travel might be an issue, depending on where you are in Canada, I can assure you that NIH trials are open to folks from all over the world. There's no charge for their screenings or treatment; you typically pay for your own travel and then, of course, bear the cost of follow-up with your local physician.

Here's the NIH page on visa info. I note a specific section for Canadian patients on that page:

Canadian patients who have long-term treatments at NIH (4 months or more), should ask for a B-2 visa so that they can extend their stay in the U.S. after they have been in the U.S. for 6 months. All Canadian patients, including those who enter the U.S. without a B-2 visa, must get a white Form I-94 (from the flight attendant or when they have landed) and complete it before going through Customs. The Customs and Border Protection agent must stamp this form. All Canadian patients should have their passports stamped with a date of entry. This is very important for Canadian patients who travel by land.

Aside from NIH, the maker of Promacta, Glaxo Smith Kline, is recruiting patients in Canada for this trial.

Of course, all that's a bit premature until you know whether your Dad actually has MDS -- and has MDS that needs to be treated.

I'm glad to hear you're with a specialist. I listened in on a group phone call with Dr. Karen Yee at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. She was terrific!

Good luck to you and your Dad!

Greg