| Confessions of a CHS |
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10/17/2007 23:01
Randy_H 
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10/17/2007 23:01
Randy_H
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Confessions of a CHS
In years past we had debates/discussion regarding the need to find a less invasive treatment than Open Surgery. The OS proponents insisted that OS didn't need an alternative. It was safe, effective and recovery was fairly easy, quick, and not really all that painful. Those who warned otherwise were just trying to scare people for no good reason they said. Remember those days some of you old timers?
Here is an exert from a recruitment letter to join the Collegenase trials at UCLA written by Dr. Roy Meals:
"As you know, surgery for Dupretrens contracture can be a hassle...." "I suspect most, if not *all* of you would be interested in receiving.....non-surgical treatment for your condition."
Yes, Dr. Roy, we would. Dr. Meals is not just your run of the mill CHS. He is a past president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The top authority. Just ask *any* US CHS about Dr. Roy Meals. His reputation proceeds him. And here he is absolutely assuming we all would just *love* to avoid OS. He should know. He has done a ton of these procedures and apparently wants to help find an alternative.
As most of us know, we already have one in NA. However, Denkler is fairly hopeful that Collegenase will be a further improvement over NA. Bring it on I say. It will cost a bundle, however.
For more info on the Collegenase trial at UCLA call (310) 824-1262. Enrollment will close fast so if you've read this three months from now you are probably too late.
Edited at 18.10.07 02:03
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10/18/2007 20:29
GPM 
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10/18/2007 20:29
GPM
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Re: Confessions of a CHS
I've been monitoring this board for quite awhile now. Thanks to all for the great information.
I have Dupuytrens in two fingers on my right hand. Contraction has been measured at 25 degrees.
I went through the evaluation process Tuesday for the clinical trial being held in Phoenix. I'm awaiting the results of the lab work and hope to hear by early next week. The trial consists of up to 5 injections, and up to 3 per cord with follow up visits scheduled for evaluation after each injection.
Since I have a very high deductible, self funded health insurance policy, this trial is probably the only I'd be able to obtain the treatment. If I'm selected, I'll post my results here.
Harry
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10/18/2007 21:07
Joe 
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10/18/2007 21:07
Joe
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Re: Confessions of a CHS
You mentioned, "Collegenase will be a further improvement over NA. Bring it on I say. It will cost a bundle."
Bundle of what and how many?
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10/18/2007 21:35
Randy_H
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10/18/2007 21:35
Randy_H
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Re: Confessions of a CHS
The disadvantage of Collegenase is how expensive it is to manufacture (they had to throw out a batch and stop earlier Phase III trials because of contamination), and how much it will cost to get it past Phase III FDA trials now ramping up. In another post I mentioned that Kr. Kline believes the treatment cost will be about $5,000. While less than OS, that is still quite a sum compared to NA at $700-$1,000. NA and Collegenase are brother and sister compared to invasive OS. However, it may be able to reach and weaken tissue in places more difficult than NA. Also, it may require less training and expertise.
In the end the investors in Collegenase are betting that NA will not make a dent in their sales and profit. Given the knee jerk reaction against NA and all the fawning over Collegenase by most CHS that may be a good bet. It's hard to believe that a competing procedure can overshadow something five times less expensive. It will not be five times better.
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