IST treatment

[LoreneS]

Hello, first time I have written. Our daughter is almost to the 3 month mark post ATG treatment. The Dr. wants to see some improvement at the 3 month mark as she said that indicates success. Has anyone heard of this? Thanks.

[Marlene]

We don't have experience with ATG but many others on this board have. From what I remember from their past posts is that 3 months is a little too soon judge the efficacy of ATG. It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. Hopefully, others with first hand experience will chime in.

[Hopeful]

Hi LoreneS,

Sorry to miss your post. How is your daughter doing now? Do you see any improvement in any of her blood counts, even if it is only increased time between transfusions?

[evansmom]

Three months can be somewhat on the early side to see any response. The norm is around six months, but the comfort level of waiting and watching for that length of time or longer mostly depends on how low the ANC is sitting. If the ANC is consistently higher than 500, it's a bit less concerning waiting it out whereas if the ANC is below 500, the risk of serious infection, especially a fungal one, makes it necessary to prepare for BMT sooner rather than later.