Possible cure for Type 1 using cancer drugs?

Q: What's the latest in the possible cure for Type 1 using the 2 already approved cancer drugs? Are there any local studies?

A: I think the two cancer drugs you are talking about are the drugs Imatinib (Gleevec) and Sunitnib (Sutent). These are drugs that block an enzyme that is believed to be a factor in autoimmune diseases. The studies looking at these drugs is being done at the University of California with mice. There is no study calling for patient participation yet that I know of.

Harvard University has been studying how to activate genes that tell cells how to transform themselves and begin working another way. They are studying how to change cells in the pancreas that make gut enzymes that help digest food and have them make insulin instead. This has also been done in mice but they think it is at least two to five years from being tried in humans.

There may be other studies, but two clinical trials that I know of who are accepting patients are:

• A drug called Otelixizumab is under investigation in the DEFEND trial. This study is looking at how the beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the body itself and they wonder if the drug can stop or slow down the destruction process. This study is under way in phase 3 clinical trials and they are accepting volunteers. You must be a Type 1 and have been diagnosed with Type 1 in the last 90 days. Check defend@tolerx.com or call 1-877-515-6672.


• At Massachusetts General Hospital there is a study under way by Denise Faustman, in phase 1 clinical trials, studying the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (the TB vaccine) which seems to decrease the abnormal immune cells that attack and destroy the beta cells. Since the BCG vaccine has been used safely for about 80 years, they are busy trying to determine the doses that are needed and the possible side effects. They are accepting volunteers for future clinical trials. Look up DiabetesTrial@partners.org to email this study group for more information. Scientists are getting closer and closer to finding a solution for Type 1.

Stay healthy until there is a cure for us!

Ginny Burns RN MEd CDE