In Radiation Again...

Just a quick update to let folks know that we're halfway through radiation treatment for the remaining lesion that hadn't disappeared on the last scan along with the area they removed the tumor from during Emmett's brain surgery.  They decided to do 10 days of fractionated proton radiation to treat the tumor cavity, and then the small lesion will be treated with photon radiation (stereotactic) later next week.  So far Emmett has been tolerating the treatments well.

Next week we'll consult with a group that can get Emmett on a clinical trial for a drug called omburtamab which is commonly referred to as 8H9.  This therapy is considered "radio-immunotherapy".  It sounds like they create antibodies that are attached to a radioisotope which is then injected to the brain.  When the antibodies attach to cancer cells, a radiation dose is delivered to kill the cells.  The therapy is for neuoblastoma, but there is some evidence that it might also be helpful for AT/RT.  Ideally kids are supposed to come into the trial with no evidence of disease, so we're hoping that Emmett's radiation and continued IT therapy has him in a "no visible disease" state before starting the trial.

Emmett has been low energy lately...these endless treatments taking a toll on the poor guy.  He did have enough energy to dress up with Clayton in their Halloween costumes before going to his treatment on Tuesday!  They put a smile on everyone's face.

Please keep praying that the treatments work!  With Emmett's promising response to IT therapy, with a follow-on punch from radiation, and then with the promising 8H9 study, we have reason for hope!