Replies to post #18134 on NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[Pyrrhonian]

Rk, the effects of chemorad plus glucocorticoids most likely immediately impair the lymphatic system. They just waited 6 weeks to check, it didn't actually take that long. However, criteria states:

"All tests and eligibility criteria must be completed within four weeks of completion of radiation and chemotherapy, following surgery."

Up to 4 weeks after SOC. And

Primary therapy must consist of surgical resection with the intent for a gross or near total resection of the contrast-enhancing tumor mass, followed by conventional external beam radiation therapy and concurrent Temodar chemotherapy. Patients having a biopsy only will be excluded. These primary treatments must be completed at least two weeks prior to first immunization.

Not "at most," but "at least," or "no sooner than."

Also:

Patients may have received steroid therapy as part of their primary treatment. Steroid treatment must be stopped at least 10 days prior to leukapheresis.

So, no sooner than 2 weeks after SOC, with glucocorticoid (steroid) use discontinued for at least 10 days (sometime after SOC), and yet no LONGER than 4 weeks after SOC. So, we have a window. I'm pretty convinced that the most significant lympholysis would show up in that window, and it would only marginally improve thereafter (assuming no DCVax or other immune boosting treatments given).

[Pyrrhonian]

Rk, one clarification:

on pg 5 here: http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/17/16/5473.full.pdf

It shows rates by month (they were checked every 4 weeks in the study). It shows the sharpest drop over the first month, followed by more decline over the second month, followed by some retracing. Lymph and CD4 dropped equally bad to 50% of baseline after 4 weeks. I imagine most of this was within the 2-4 week window after SOC that patients who are tested for eligibility for the DCVax-L trial fall into.