ARTEMIDE Trial by AstraZeneca

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My husband is taking part in this blind trial in the UK and is in the middle of his third cycle.  
I thought I would reach out to others who may also be taking part so we can support each other.

(I had started a discussion a few weeks ago but spelt the trial name incorrectly, maybe why I hadn’t heard from anyone)

  • On 3/27/25 I met with my team.  Blood drawn and sent again to California Natera.com for a second cDNA test. The first was done 11/11/25.  I was told I did not get a placebo for the trial. The Natera test came back negative, therefore, I am considered cured and cancer free.  my doctor said it could be from Whipple or the immunotherapy making me immune.  We will never know for sure. No more treatments going forward except for Natera cDNA test every quarter followed by CT SCAN 1 month later for next 5 years.  I urge everyone to go to this website Natera.com and read about the company and this testing st the cellular level.  CT MRI and PET scans are giving you results when a cancerous mass is detected. This test gives you a positive at cellular level without the radiation of scans. You will need to have  your surgeon or oncologist send a tumor sample the first time along with a blood sample.  The first one took 10;days for results.  The second one was 6 days. The company text messages you directly with results.They take insurance or they will give you a reduced rate for private pay. This test is a game changer.  Unless my status changes I won’t be posting unless someone has questions for me I’ll be checking my email feed

    i wish everyone here a speedy recovery and cancer free diagnosis!

  • Hi,

    I am so pleased you have had the all clear, that's amazing news.  The quarterly monitoring for 5 years is excellent too.  Our NHS wouldn't ever commit to that sort of monitoring, that's why my husband agreed to go on the trial.

    I hope you are feeling much better now you are free from the chemo & immunotherapy and can gain your strength back.  You have been through so much.

    I will ask our consultant about the Natera test.

    Wishing you a full & speedy recovery.  Do check in occasionally xx

  • I am still getting used to the idea that I am cancer free.  The quarterly monitoring for 5 years gives me some sense of security.  I’m always thinking the cancer can return.  Your national healthcare would probably save funds because scans are very expensive here in USA I have no idea if people in Britain actually see the cost of their treatment.

    I go in quarterly for a CT scan 4/28/25 a blood draw and team meeting 5/1/25. This will be my routine going forward. I will keep you all in the loop

    praying cancer does not return

    Sending hugs and hoping for more patients cured or in remission

  • Hi Dianthus,

    I’m guessing your chemo is coming to an end?  My husband took his last one this morning of his 6th cycle.  Still no major side effects Fingers crossed.  
    I hope you are keeping well 

  • I'm so glad your husband isn't having any major side effects. What a coincidence you checking in with me today: it's my last day today. In 3 hours time I will be finished! Thank you for thinking of me. 

  • Oh wow, that must be really liberating!  No more worrying about meal times.  Just the commitment of three weekly infusions which we don’t find a problem.  It’s a day out! Laughing  My husband is also tired after them but they give him anti-histamine which I think might be to blame. Also we have to leave very early in the morning. Do you have any anti-histamine?  I think it might be because of his reaction the first time. 
    it’ll be interesting to see if you regain your finger prints! 

  • I can't remember if you said where you have your treatment. I have mine at that Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham. Like you, we have a long drive to get there and we have to be there at 9am. It's a tiring day out! I have to go twice every third week: Wednesday for bloods and to see the oncologist then Friday for the infusion. I don't mind that at all because I won't have to take the pills any more! I haven't had anti histamines because I haven't needed them- I was prescribed some but I've forgotten what for! Chemo brain is definitely real. 

  • We travel to Cambridge from the other side of Norwich but we have been lucky with the traffic so far.  We are relatively lucky as we don't have to be there till 10am.  Like you it's two visits, Tuesday clinic/bloods & Friday treatment.  He is prone to allergies and carries an epi-pen so that maybe why he reacted.

    Sending you well wishes in your freedom from Chemo!  Have a great weekend & enjoy this lovely weather.

  • Hi, I’m new to this group. I was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma bizarrely on world cancer day this year, 4th Feb, after several cr scans, an MRI then a liver biopsy. I had a liver resection at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge on 6th March so almost 5 weeks post surgery now and healing well. I have my first appointment tomorrow 8th March with the oncology team and they will be discussing my treatment options going forward after surgery. They’ve sent me all the information on this trial to look at and one of the ladies will be there to discuss it further with me tomorrow. Can I ask what other options those of you in the UK were offered besides this trial and are you all happy with the decision you made with going ahead with this trial knowing it’s 50/50 whether you get the actual trial drug or not? I’m feeling very confused at the moment but obviously don’t have all the information on all my options yet. Any advice would be most greatly appreciated. 
    Many thanks in advance 

  • Hi there,having has exactly the same diagnosis as you, I did loads of research and decided that it was the right thing for me to be on the trial. If nothing else, the 3 monthly scans are a real positive.

    I've just finished the chemo and am hoping the side effects settle down quickly.

    I have no doubt that this was the right thing for me. Hope that helps. 

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