Question
After recent consults with the Mayo Clinic, Yale University and Harvard/Brigham Womens Hospital — it has been suggested that I engage in blood pheresis (Prosorba Column) as an alternative to previously failed treatments for my severe and erosive RA. Do you have more current research findings for this experimental therapy and can you provide me with the major pro’s and con’s associated with the process from your own perspective? Iam a 52 year old female who has had the disease for 20 years. I am also a DES-Daughter who had clear cell carcinoma at age 18. My surgeon hailed from Johns Hopkins. The now deceased, Dr. Clyde Randall. Thank you for your help.
Answer
That’s an impressive list of previous consultants although I would argue that a very prominent institution has been left off your list. Having not seen you in person, it is hard to disagree with those who have had the opportunity to see you and review your history. In general, I think Prosorba is reserved for those patients who have failed, are unable to tolerate or have signficant contraindication to other therapies. Its use has been very limited in part due to the onerous treatment schedule and the recent availability of the new biologic therapies.
