Exciting news! Next week I'll be starting a new multiple myeloma treatment called Talvey, aka talquetamab. Technically, it's similar to the Carvykti CAR-T treatment I had last year, but instead of targeting the BCMA antigen it targets two receptors called GPRC5D and CD3. Because it targets two things it's called a bispecific. Unlike Carvykti, it's not genetically engineered for each patient.
But that's not the exciting part. Like Carvykti, Talvey has a risk of causing cytokine storms and neurological problems, which means I have to spend a week in the hospital so they can observe me as they ramp up the dosage. Blah. But I'll take my tablet and continue to amuse myself with the blog.
For the record, this is now my eighth treatment for multiple myeloma:
- Velcade
- Autologous stem cell transfer
- Revlimid
- Darzalex
- Pomalyst
- Empliciti
- Carvykti CAR-T
- Talvey
"This time for sure, Rocky!" As long as you can outrun it with newer, different treatments, notch it up as a win. ISTR that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer ... don't actually die of prostate cancer. Unless they put off visiting their doctor for too long (usually disregarding their wife's sensible, solid, and timely advice). But you're smarter, and therefore much, much tougher than that. Best of luck, Kevin!
Best of luck Kevin and tell the cats to give you a cat scan. Be well.
Maybe you should try hydroxychloroquine, or ivermectin. Maybe inject some bleach.
Seriously, good luck.
Good luck with your new treatment Kevin!
Fingers crossed, KD!
Good luck and good health! May your great work go on forever and may the 8th time be a charm.
My short take - Kevin Drum is made of tougher stuff than normal humans.
You appear to have omitted the Evil Dex from the list.