55-Year-Old MM Patient Receiving Lovastatin. Del Mar, CA
In May, 1998, Dr. Jeffrey B. Rubins from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota published a study on the effect of Lovastatin on mesothelial and normal lung cells. Lovastatin is a drug used to lower high cholesterol. In the study, mesothelioma cells treated with Lovastatin stopped growing and started to die, while normal lung cells were unaffected. Mesothelioma experts at the time cautioned that it was premature to consider Lovastatin as a viable treatment option.
In the winter of 1999, 55 year-old retiree Bob Sullivan, an avid runner, began to feel winded far too early during his runs through the streets of Del Mar, California. Eventually, Bob sought medical attention for his shortness of breath. A thoracentesis produced four liters of fluid from Bob's chest. During a pleuracoscopy, his doctors in San Diego saw multiple tumors studding his pleura. Pathological tests on biopsy material from Bob's pleura led to the diagnosis in February of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Bob contacted Dr. Linda Garland of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center regarding Lovastatin. Since that contact, Bob became the only person I know of taking Lovastatin and electing not to have surgery. Bob began a regimen where he took 40 milligrams of Lovastatin (MEVACOR brand) once a day for four weeks. On the fifth week, he took up to 40 milligrams twice a day. At six weeks, Bob returned to taking one 40 milligrams dose of Lovastatin per day, which he continues to this day. He also takes essiac tea and wheat grass, and eats a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Bob has decided not to have any surgery or other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Bob's wife Barbara reports that he still has pain from his mesothelioma. Bob takes 500 milligrams of hydrocodone, two Naprosyn, and two ibuprofen per day for pain. Bob can no longer run or train in the martial arts as he used to, but he remains active. He and Barbara recently took a three mile walk on the beach.
The Sullivan's do not know what to make of Bob's experience with Lovastatin. Because Bob still has pain, Barbara deduces that the mesothelioma is "still there". The fluid build-up has not recurred, which Barbara feels "may be related to the progression of his tumors or it may be related to taking Lovastatin . . . I am not sure if this is working to kill the meso, I can only hope it is slowing down the progression."
We wish Barbara and Bob all the best, and will keep you informed of Bob's experience with Lovastatin.
** POSTED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 **
An Update -- 1/20/01
Dear Friends,
I thought it best to give you an update on Bob since he is near and dear to all of you. Bob has had a turn for the worse in the last week. He is in a lot of pain lately and nauseous so he is losing a lot of weight and not eating. I am afraid the end is nearing although it is difficult to predict anything (Of this I am certain.) It has been a long haul, that is for sure and for all of us. He doesn't like excitementl. I will let you all know if there is any improvements. Thank you for all of your e-mails, calls and visits. My fond thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Barbara
An Update -- 2/6/01
Dear Friends,
Bob is still bedridden but feeling better painwise. He can probably handle phone calls again. My brother said these ups and downs are common and for no apparent reason people get better, not cured, but better for awhile. Just want you to know so you don't worry. Barbara