• From: Alabama
  • Registered: Thu, 15 Dec 2011
  • Posts: 365

Topic: Transplant

So, I would never think dr. Javle would even thinking could have a transplant. My question is---we don't really know if I have lymph nodes involved. Will they do it if I do?
Let's say I do have nodes involved...and they do the transplant. What will happen after as far as the nodes go? Will there be a way to treat them? Oh I'm sure I will have a ton more questions as time goes on.

~Tiffany~ 31 years young wink Fighting CC since 10-27-2011
Wife to Brian; Mommy to Carter (7) and Madison (4)
http://tiffanyschwantes.wordpress.com/
I balance my life with my breath.

tiff1496's Website

  • Registered: Fri, 15 Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1,733

Re: Transplant

Hi,
The answer is no.,most of the centers will not do liver transplant if there are lymph nodes involvement unless they want to use you as experiment .
If they do the transplant with nodes involvement , most likely the cancer will be back sooner than expected and chemotherapy will be the systemic way to treat cancer with mets.  The same may be applied to abandon the surgery and closed the patient up without removal of the canncer after discovering there were mets beyond the liver .but each center's protocol is different ,so may be some will do it after all.
God bless.

Please know that my personal opinion is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If  provided, information are for educational purposes.Consult doctor is a MUST for changing of treatment plans.
  • eli
  • eli
  • Legend
  • Offline
  • From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: Tue, 08 Nov 2011
  • Posts: 561

Re: Transplant

I found this clinical trial at the University of Utah:

Liver Transplantation for Cholangiocarcinoma
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00708877

They accepted patients with some lymph node metastasis:

Patients with extrahepatic metastases, local spread of disease to adjacent organs, and N2 nodal disease (metastasis to peripancreatic, periduodenal, periportal, celiac, superior mesenteric, and / or posterior pancreaticoduodenal nodes) will be excluded as will patients with extension of tumor into the main portal vein. Patients with N1 disease (metastasis to lymph nodes within hepatoduodenal ligament) will remain eligible for the protocol.

That was actually part of the trial. It's not a standard protocol.

  • Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 435

Re: Transplant

Tiffany,

I would talk to your dr's about this one if that's the route they decide to go.  I'm not sure it's standard to have a transplant if you have positive lymph nodes. Immunosuppresive drugs and cancer are a tricky combination.  Let us know what they say.

Take care,
Susie

  • From: Uniontown, Ohio
  • Registered: Fri, 23 Sep 2011
  • Posts: 1,488

Re: Transplant

Tiffany,

We asked Dr. Sonnenday about a liver transplant for Lauren. He said no because if even one cancer cell is lurking after transplant, the immunosuppressive drugs will make it grow and spread like gas to a fire.
She has enlarged lymph nodes, but they did not light up on a PET scan. So they aren't sure if cancer is in them.

Hoping for a miracle for my daughter, Lauren.

My comments, suggestions, and opinions are based on my experience as a caretaker for my daughter, Lauren and from reading anything I can get my hands on about Cholangiocarcinoma. Please consult a physician for professional guidance.

Pamela's Website

  • From: Alabama
  • Registered: Thu, 15 Dec 2011
  • Posts: 365

Re: Transplant

Thanks everyone.

~Tiffany~ 31 years young wink Fighting CC since 10-27-2011
Wife to Brian; Mommy to Carter (7) and Madison (4)
http://tiffanyschwantes.wordpress.com/
I balance my life with my breath.

tiff1496's Website