WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thirteen years of waiting is now over for melanoma patients. That’s how long it’s been since the last therapy became available to treat the most lethal form of skin cancer – melanoma. The FDA today announced approval of Yervoy, an immunotherapy treatment for advanced melanoma. The drug will be used to treat melanoma patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is the first approved drug that has extended the lives of patients with advanced melanoma.
“This is a critical breakthrough for advanced-stage melanoma patients who have far too few approved treatment options available,” said Timothy J. Turnham, the executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). “Patients have been waiting for a life-changing innovation like this one and news of the approval has galvanized the patient community.” --- From the Melanoma Research Foundation Press Release
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved YERVOY™ (ipilimumab) 3 mg/kg for the treatment of patients with unresectable (inoperable) or metastatic melanoma. YERVOY is the first and only therapy for unresectable or metastatic melanoma to demonstrate a significant improvement in overall survival based on results from a pivotal randomized, double-blind Phase 3 study. ----Bristol-Myers Squibb Press Release
7 comments:
Wonderful news, and there seem to be more therapies in the pipeline. Finally, some hope beyond the knife.
I know of one guy who had maybe a year to live when he started an Ipi trial. That was two years ago. Last I heard he was organizing a golf tournament.
Great news! My biopsy came back- all clear-for a mole on the scalp...in-situ.thanks be to god
It is so exciting! We are hoping my dad's scan on Thursday show no cancer, but if it does, this drug will be our next step!
Hi,
My name is Kathy, an oncology nurse and the founder of www.hugsforstrength.com. I have enjoyed reading your blog posts. Please take a look at my site. It is cancer survivors helping other survivors through stories. I would like to ask if you would be willing to share your story? I don't think melanoma is talked about often enough. I hope you may be able to raise awareness. I look forward to hearing from you.
I found your blog through another I follow, Mind.Body.Peace. I'm really glad I started reading your blog and hope you will visit my blog and read my cancer journal and stop by the blog to cure room also. I want you to now how I admire you and what you have been through that you are a strong women. Thank you for getting your story out there to help others know about Melanoma.
I have to take another round of Edidex Chemo Treatment in June. I think I will ask my doctor about this new drug. Thank you for posting.
My mother was part of this study. It allowed her to see the granddaughter she raised, graduate from high school. It killed many tumors and gave us hope, as well as time.
Mom wanted time and she got it.
The main tumor took over, the last experimental therapy wasn't working, so she is in hospice, after 4 years.
The Bristol-Myers drug damned near kills all patients, but it kills tumors. Her side effects were awful and she had to be talked into continuance, after a break. It gave her another year.
She's been in hospice for two months. I am astonished by her resolve, spirit and sense of humor.
I am so proud to help my mother maintain her grace and dignity at home. She has opted out of the last trial for Bayer. Most days, she's a joy. Other days, she rides us hard to make sure we get the job done.
I hope the Bristol-Myers drug gives other patients as much time and hope. Just know, it takes a patient down and they will want to quit.
Peace to all!
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