Although Arranon is similar to other types of chemotherapy, Berg said that cancerous T-cells seem more sensitive to this newer treatment. Still, she is quick to add that Arranon should not be mistaken as a cure.
"Most likely patients will gain some time," she said.
How long this time is remains unclear. Arranon was approved under the FDA's expedited approval process, which allows potentially lifesaving drugs to speed through the testing process when there are few options available. Several studies are ongoing. "We still have a lot to learn," Berg said.
Arranon is associated with the same types of side effects as other chemotherapies, such as nausea, hair loss and fatigue. The drug was specifically approved to treat those who have T-cell leukemia and lymphomas that have failed to respond to other treatments or relapsed after trying the standard drugs.
In the studies done so far, Arranon caused cancer cells to disappear in some patients, although most saw their cancer return. Berg urges patients to use the drug only after the more proven options have failed first. But in treating children with cancer, Berg is heartened to have some hope.
"This will buy some time until we can find something better," she said.
