Vidaza and Revlimid

[bailie]

My blood counts have slowly increased since 2nd cycle of Vidaza. Platelets have increased to 183 from a low of 20. All other counts have increased to almost normal range. The real jump in counts followed the 5th cycle. However, the blast count has remained the same at about 10-12 percent. I still wonder how all counts can increase so much without affecting the blast percentage?

The plan is to combine the Vidaza treatments with Revlimid in an attempt to reduce the blast count prior to an (about) August 1 stem cell transplant. I have read the positive studies concerning the combination. Has anyone experienced this combination?
Thank you.

[DanL]

Bailie,

It is great to see that you have had positive results with Vidaza, although the blast count has not been dropping as you might expect. That is one of the interesting elements of treatment with Vidaza is that sometimes it reduces blasts without increasing blood counts, and other times blood counts increase and blast counts stay steady, and sometimes it affects both in one direction or the other.

I am not sure if i posted the study showing that 12% is kind of a magic number going into transplant where if you are 12% or below going into transplant, the impact on overall survival wasn't very large whereas 13% or above had more negative results. I'll see if I can find that link again.

Good luck with the combo regimen.

[bailie]

I can remember your posting of the 12 percent threshold. I printed it for my reference. Thank you. When my doctor saw my blood counts after this last round of Vidaza, she started talking about a stronger chemo prep going into the transplant. I do realize that the stronger chemo prep has increased risks, so that will be interesting.

I had very little side effects from the Vidaza, but wondering about the Revlimid. The doctor seemed to indicate that it will be more difficult.

I always appreciate hearing of your progress.