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Neoadjuvant for melanoma stage 3c
It started a year ago, nodular melanoma on my right arm. Had incision to remove. Stated they got it all. Checked two lymph nodes. One negative, 1 small traces of cancer cells. A year later, two pumps come up very near the same spot. Its cancer again. Doctor wants to try Keytruda, Neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Starting the drug before the tumor is taken out. I'm concerned the tumor will grow in 6 weeks and may spread while getting treatment, which could make things worse. She states I'm a good candidate because of my positive TPS 6-10% and my TMB 52.6. After reading up on this drug I'm very nervous about the side effects, many that are permanent and non reversible. Latest stage diagnose is melanoma stage 3C because it recurred. I'm kinda at a loss with direction to go. Any experience using this drug out there?
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Amazingly, thanks for asking. After 3 infusions I had a follow up CT that incredibly revealed full resolution of my 11 mm metastatic lung nodule! I still have to continue with immunotherapy for up to 2 years but obviously this is so encouraging.
Oh Wow!!! YEA! I just had my second one yesterday and am scheduled for resection to take out the tumor March 4th. So they are saying immunotherapy for 2 years? And you have only had 3 so far? Are yours 3 weeks apart at 200mg or 6 weeks apart at 400mg? Seems if it had a full resolution after the scan you would just finish out the year? What's the reasoning?
I go for my 5th infusion of 200 mg tomorrow, another 3 weeks after that then I graduate to 6 weeks 400 mg.
The way I see thus metastatic melanoma and can explain it is it’s as if Freddie Krueger is lurking around in my body. I won this first installment but he might be hiding somewhere stirring up some trouble where he remains undetected and I’ve got to keep my defenses up, ready to pounce in case he strikes again - or hopefully prevent him from getting strong or courageous enough to strike again!
PS Best of luck with your surgery! I've read there are excellent results with this type of approach. Be sure to keep us posted.
Thanks I will. I'm going in every 6 weeks with 400 MG
Just had the 2nd tumor taken out on my arm. After a pet scan nothing showed up in my body, other than a small, small spot on my arm again, but so small they couldn’t feel it or couldn’t pick it up on the ultra sound… so nothing happened at that spot. Will be doing a biopsy on the tumor to see if the immunal therapy is working.