Re: update on feline interferon please?--Nina

[Lernermichelle]

The oncologist, like everyone else, really does not know.  He does not think it likely (but does not rule out) that the VO would kill lymphoma on its own or allow the immune system to kill lymphoma that is already there.  But he said, and I agree, that anything that can boost his immune system is probably worth trying.  Chemo knocks the immune system down, and the immune system is already down from the FeLV, so maybe the VO will counteract that.  My own theory is that maybe VO would lengthen remission time if he goes into remission. FeLV normally shortens remission time, because the virus causes the cancer all over again within 6 months or so (with lymphoma), wheras negative cats can have much longer remissions (though there is a woman on the lymphoma yahoo group with a positive cat who was diagnosed 11 months ago and is still in remission, I think).  So if VO could strengthen the immune system to the point that the FeLV virus is not so active, maybe a positive cat could have a better chance for a longer remission?  I asked my oncologist what he thought of this theory, and he said it seems possible and the only way to know is to try since there are no studies looking into it. So that is what we plan on doing, if Simon can hang in there until the VO arrives, and if he can go into remission.   I would try it with Lucky, but I might also try chemo.   Michelle In a message dated 12/29/04 10:30:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle,   Among all the things I am investigating for Lucky, I have VO in the back of my mind.  I do not know if any specific work has been done with it for stand-alone cancer treatment, but I honestly don't see how it could hurt.  Did your oncologist have any feelings about this?   Best wishes to Simon; you tell him we need continued reports of good news!   Love, Julie