Is HAMA good or bad?
HAMA might be a sign that a patient is developing an immune response against the neuroblastoma — and that is a good thing. It is probably best that a patient receive at least four cycles of 3F8 treatments. Most patients who have received chemotherapy only a short time before 3F8 treatment do not make HAMA because part of their immune system is too weak. In Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s protocols, the aim is to give repeated treatments with 3F8 until HAMA is made. It appears that the best chances for cure are realized when multiple cycles of 3F8 treatment are given before the patient begins to form HAMA.
