PGD Clinical trials - Ghost?

[kerpupples]

So DH and I qualify for a clinical trial researching full chromosomal PGD. I think we're going to go for it. Our doc at CCRM says success rates so far have been running 72-74% all the way up to age 42! Has anyone else here participated in this?

Here's the details:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ ... ACO&rank=1

Ghost, are you familiar with this study at all?

[Ghost]

So DH and I qualify for a clinical trial researching full chromosomal PGD. I think we're going to go for it. Our doc at CCRM says success rates so far have been running 72-74% all the way up to age 42! Has anyone else here participated in this?

Here's the details:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ ... ACO&rank=1

Ghost, are you familiar with this study at all?

You have the cutest name on the entire internet "kerpupples".

I have seen some results from that study. Those success rates are very impressive, but appear to be per transfer. I wonder about their cancellation rate, given the relatively high age limit and rigorous embryo screening. The success rates per patient will be lower of course, depending on the cancellation rate. So it's difficult to be absolutely certain, but it sounds like a very good method. If I were you I'd be very tempted to go for that study, especially if it was geographically and/or financially appealing.

[kerpupples]

Cutest name....I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not, but thanks.

Dr. Minjarez told me that success rates for the study decline sharply at age 43 - but since I'm 38 and all indications are that I have excellent egg quality, I'm optimistic in that regard. I'm in Denver so it's very appealing geographically, and financially as well since there is no charge for the PGD or for most of the medications. Word is that Dr. Schoolcraft has approved me for the study, so I believe we're going to go for it. Thanks for the info!

What factors would contribute to cancellation rate?

BTW - I know you have wondered in the past if CCRM "screens" for success rates. So far I haven't seen any indication of that, but then all my figures seem to fall inside of what they consider favorable or addressable, so I'm not sure that necessarily means anything.

[kerpupples]

OK, reading again, I see that you say high age group (given my FSH level of 5.5 and resting follicle count of 25 I'm not too worried, even though I am 38) and rigorous embryo screening. Is there anything else that would contribute to cancellation rate?

[Ghost]

OK, reading again, I see that you say high age group (given my FSH level of 5.5 and resting follicle count of 25 I'm not too worried, even though I am 38) and rigorous embryo screening. Is there anything else that would contribute to cancellation rate?

Those are the major factors that would be known in advance. There are other tests of ovarian reserve (like AMH, and a clomid challenge test), but you should be fine on those if your AFC is 25.

Of course, others can arise later, like the genetics themselves. If there are not genetically viable embryos, they will obviously cancel your transfer if you are randomized to that arm of the study.

As for screening, there was a poster here "Lynniecat" who posted that she was required to go through many tests at CCRM before they would let her cycle. She gave up on them and cycled at Shady Grove instead, with a live birth in her first attempt. She posted that baby would not have been possible at CCRM because they would have required a clomid challenge test that month instead of an IVF cycle. But the point is, she said they required her to go through intensive screening before she could go through IVF.

The numbers you provided above make you seem a very superior 38 year old, so you should not have any issues with any criteria at any center. Most 38 year olds we see have half your antral follicle count, or less.

[kerpupples]

I've opted to go with this study, so I will keep you posted. I'll start stimming in early September.

There is another study that we qualify for as well (Menopur alone vs. Bravelle and Menopur) but even though that one would cost us less money, it doesn't increase success rates the way that the PGD study does. Do you think I made the right choice?

Regarding the intensive diagnostics, I had to go through those as well, though thankfully not a clomid challenge test. It could be screening, but I do think it's a form of revenue generation for them as well. Not overly palatable, but if I get another baby out of it quickly I guess I can deal with it.

[Ghost]

I've opted to go with this study, so I will keep you posted. I'll start stimming in early September.

There is another study that we qualify for as well (Menopur alone vs. Bravelle and Menopur) but even though that one would cost us less money, it doesn't increase success rates the way that the PGD study does. Do you think I made the right choice?

Regarding the intensive diagnostics, I had to go through those as well, though thankfully not a clomid challenge test. It could be screening, but I do think it's a form of revenue generation for them as well. Not overly palatable, but if I get another baby out of it quickly I guess I can deal with it.

I cannot know what is the right choice. There may be more than one.

I can only say the preliminary results I have seen from that PGD study were impressive, within the limitations stated above. I have seen no results from the Bravelle/Menopur study. I don't expect they would be as impressive, but I don't really know.

I agree that screening generates revenue.

[kerpupples]

The doc didn't want to project success rates from the Bravelle/Menopur study either, but she said that since those are drugs the clinic already uses anyway they should be in line with current success rates for my age group.

In any case, I just like knowing that if I do get pregnant after going through all this mess, the baby will be genetically normal.

Thanks so much for your input! I feel very lucky to have the option of multiple studies to choose from.

[Ifly]

Hi Kerpupple

I'm wondering if you could shed some more light on how you were accepted into the study. I applied a while back before I read your post and they advised me that they are not taking any applicants that don't reside in NJ area. Did you get in through Dr Schoolie or did you apply directly through the studytrials website?
I too reside in Denver Co but was denied even though they know I'm going to CCRM.

Hope this works out well for you - I think of all the studies being done this is an excellent one to be able to take part of.