Hi, my name is Ashley we need help for my best friend Geoffrey who 4.5 years ago was diagnosed with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. He needs funds for medication called Vorasidenib to help prolong his life. This medication costs thousands a month as it is not on the PBS. Let me tell his story. Oligodendrogliomas are rare primary brain tumors that develop from oligodendrocytes, cells that support and insulate nerve fibers. They are a type of glioma, which are tumors that originate from glial cells in the brain. They are uncommon in younger men, and Geoffrey was 25 when diagnosed. His oligodendroglioma was surgically removed. It had been growing there for a long time.
Geoffrey has just been diagnosed with a recurring tumour, possibly grade 3. He has just undergone brain surgery. It is located more towards the right insular whereas the first was frontal lobe. This means they couldn’t fully resect the tumour. Geoffrey requires radiation, chemotherapy and IDH inhibitors for the rest of his treatment.
Geoffrey needs a medication called vorasidenib. is a targeted cancer drug used to treat IDH-mutant astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma in patients 12 years and older. It works by inhibiting mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) enzymes, reducing the production of an abnormal metabolite that promotes tumor growth, thereby helping to slow the progression of these low-grade brain cancers. This will slow the tumour cells growing back and reaching deeper, harder to treat parts of the brain.
The issue is it’s not PBS listed and will cost thousands a month. Geoffrey cannot afford this medication and cancer treatment. Even if he could have a few years of treatment it could extend his life. He wants to live just like anybody else. He is 30 years old. He is my best friend. With this treatment it could extend his life by a long time.
Anything that could help Geoffrey would be greatly appreciated.
Keep up the fight darling. Don’t give up hope even for a second.