Clinical trial - CORINTH

Hello Clarhedge

This is the first time I have heard of this, but that is hardly surprising as a believe it is a relatively new trial and to my knowledge it hasn't been mentioned on the forum either.

But if this is being offered alongside the standard treatment you will be checked very thoroughly all during treatment (as you would be anyway).

So the ball is in your court as to whether you decide to go on this trial - good luck whatever you decide.

Irene xx

Hi Clarhedge a lady I talk to on another forum has been offered this trial and turned it down. I have added some screen shots of the relevant parts of our conversation. Xx

Thank you. I still haven’t spoken to the research nurse. The side effects are inflammatory if you get them. I know they use the drug for some Breast cancers. I still don’t know what I’ll decide. 

Hi its a big decision and one I don't envy you. Like I said the lady I speak to turned it down partly because of what she said in the screenshots and partly as it was gonna delay the start of her treatment and she just wants to get it done. Best of luck with what ever you decide. Xxx

Update on the trial. I decided to have the trial after much deliberation! I discussed it with my oncologist and she stressed I could stop it at any time. I start my treatment next week. The trial of immunotherapy will be given alongside the standard treatment. 
I had a couple of days delay to start of treatment due to three attempts at my planning scan. My bladder was too small first two times. Finally on third attempt it got done. Never drank so much water.
Got my water wipes and over toilet sitz bath ready.  

Hi

Pleased you have made a decision it must have been hard but sounds like you have a good oncologist. I was wondering the other day what you had decided.I'm out the otherside now just got to wait for scans to see if it worked. I never had a sitz bath but water wipes were an essential, I also wore mens baggy boxer shorts much more comfy than girl pants. Good luck with your treatment. Xx

Hi I was thinking I’d need to get some loose bottoms to wear but not given pants a thought. Another thing to add to shopping list! 
The scans after treatment must be quite a tense wait for results. Hope all goes well for you. 

Hi Clarhedge ,

It's a very individual decision to enter into a clinical trial, I took part in the PLATO trial for my treatment although this was just trialing different strengths of radiation & different lengths of treatment, these trials are what advance treatments & improve survival rates of different cancer types. It sounds as though you have a very supportive oncologist & I’m sure they will keep a very close eye on you during the trial & afterwards & as you say you can opt out at any point you choose. The people running the PLATO trial & my oncologist were great throughout although I only had contact with those running the trial via post. It meant that I was followed up for a bit longer than usual by my oncologist rather than being discharged into the care of my colorectal surgeon alone although I did see him also at follow up appointments & I was seen more regularly than usual too. The trial followed me for the first 3 years post treatment but not for the last 2 before I was discharged from surveillance. 

Wishing you the very best of luck for your treatment, let us know how you’re getting on. 

Nicola 

Thank you for replying. The decision wasn’t an easy one but I figured like you say how else do treatments advance. My oncologist said they know this drug works in advanced cases and in other cancers but the only way to see if it works alongside the standard treatment for early anal cancers is to give it to patients. It may not agree with me but it I might be glad I took the chance.The oncologist is supportive and I trust her to look after me. Being on a clinical trial means you do get monitored that little bit closer which is reassuring.
Wishing everyone well at whatever stage you’re at right now x

I have been researching about Corinth (largely because of the reply you kindly put through to the thread I started on immunotherapy, Clarhedge)

It does seem that it also covers advanced stage anal cancer so is of real interest in my partner's case.

I believe it is offered at Cardiff University.

Does this mean you have to live in Wales to participate please?