On June 14, 2022 I travelled to the NIH/Bethesda, MD for my third treatment in the four-treatment series of this research study. My spouse travelled with me on this trip, as it was possible that I would be having surgery. We checked-in to the Residence Inn in Bethesda and had a nice evening of dinner and walking around downtown Bethesda – a lovely place.
On June 15, 2022 we took a 6:30 am taxi (paid for by the NIH) in order to arrive for my first scheduled appointment at the NIH at 7:00 am. After a verbal Covid screening at the entrance, we proceeded to Phlebotomy where 12 vials of blood were drawn from my left arm. My next appointment, at 8:00 am, was with my research team and consisted of a verbal interview to see how I was doing and then a scope to see what was going on in my larynx. The scope revealed that there was no papilloma and therefore no surgery was necessary.
I then proceeded to the day hospital for the next injection of PRGN-2012. It took three hours for the drug to be prepared. I received the injection in my right thigh this time and remained under observation for 30 minutes. With no adverse reactions, I was released.
I was very grateful and relieved that there was no papilloma in my larynx and that I did not require surgery. This was good news! However, based on my disease history, it was not unusual for me to not have any papilloma growth in such a short period of time since my last surgery – six weeks ago. It usually takes longer than that for me to see new growth.
Therefore, as much as my hope and enthusiasm would like to claim that PRGN-2012 is making a difference, it is just too soon for me to tell.
My side effects from this injection were very minimal, if any.
I will return to the NIH on July 27, 2022 (six weeks after my last visit) for another exam and final (fourth) injection of PRGN-2012.
We want to communicate how we continue to be positively impressed with the facility, the staff, the care and the service that we receive at the NIH. It continues to be a great experience at a marvelous place! Each time, we leave the NIH feeling very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this research study.
Regarding monetary costs for this third trip to the NIH, the following was our experience. The NIH paid for my flight to and from my home airport to Baltimore/Washington International airport. They did not pay for my spouse’s flight. They provided a free taxi from the airport to our hotel. The three nights in the hotel were covered by the NIH. Meals were on our own. Transportation from the hotel to the NIH is via a hotel shuttle or a taxi – both paid for by the NIH. You can also take the DC Metro at your own cost. A taxi returned us to the airport at the end of the stay with no charge to us.
We are very grateful that most costs associated with participating in this research study are covered by the NIH!
Craig Mabie
