Freddie's Fight Against Neuroblastoma

Freddie was admitted for cycle two of chemotherapy yesterday after a nice, uneventful week at home. We saw our primary oncologist in clinic this past Thursday, where we learned that Freddie had been assigned to arm B (non-control arm) of the clinical trial we enrolled in last month. The standard of care in treating newly-diagnosed high risk neuroblastoma is induction chemotherapy x 5 cycles to get him into remission, then two back-to-back stem cell transplants (consolidation), followed by immunotherapy (post-consolidation).

The trial‘s aim is to determine the effects of adding the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (immunotherapy) to induction chemotherapy. Since he was assigned to the non-control arm, Fred will receive 5 days of chemotherapy again this cycle, but days 2-5 will also include dinutuximab. Common side effects of the immunotherapy include nerve pain, fevers, and low blood pressure, so we’re gearing up for busy week.

In addition to learning that Fred was assigned to arm B, we also learned that Fred is ALK-negative and he does not have any germline pathologic variants, which would ultimately affect family planning and require us to screen Evie. [good news!]

We’ll be admitted until at least Saturday, depending on how Freddie tolerates the infusion. We’re so thankful for all of your continued support and prayers throughout this process. We love you all!

Love,
The Reichards