Bone Marrow Test Results

To Charley's Family and Friends,

Charley's bone marrow test results have shown some improvement, but not remission.

Clinically, Charley is getting better. Also, his labs indicate no active tumorlysis. This means that the leukemia is not damaging him. According to his doctor, Charley remains reasonably stable clinically and his leukemia seems "quiescent".

Since the chemotherapy that Charley received in early April resulted in serious infections and a long stay in the ICU without inducing remission, Charley's doctors do not want to repeat this form of chemotherapy. Currently, there is an ongoing Phase I dose-escalation trial of a target drug that may benefit Charley. However, this study is temporarily closed for accrual. Doctors do not know when this trial will be re-opened.

An N-G feeding tube was placed yesterday. This means Charley can get good nutrients through his GI system for the first time since his bone marrow transplant.

Please continue to pray for Charley, his parents, and his doctors as they make decisions about the next steps for Charley.

Also, Charley's doctors are helping the family get second opinions elsewhere. Please pray for Deborah and Nehemiah as they make these arrangements.

Good news is that Charley may be able to go home early next week. He will be seen at Dana-Farber Jimmy Found Clinic and at UMASS Medical Center for platelet transfusion.

-Erin