Colon Cancer Stage IV(a) Ipilimumab and nivolumab

Hi @loveall1 - I too have Stage IV colon cancer and have been on first-line ipi-nivo immunotherapy treatment since November 2023 (Nivolumab every two weeks and Ipilimumab every six weeks). In September 2024, a PET scan indicated no hypermetabolic activity, which my oncologist considered a complete response. Since then, my complete response has been stable, and I am continuing the same ipi-nivo treatment. Once we found the proper infusion rate after the first infusion, I don’t recall experiencing any effect during infusions, and my only side-effect has been fatigue in the afternoon/evening of my treatment (mornings), which a short 30 minute nap usually takes care of.

As a tip, my research into immunotherapy found that the gut microbiome is a major factor in the efficacy of immunotherapy, and that dietary change is the easiest way to modify the gut microbiome. So, I’ve been following (with access to a dietitian) the dietary recommendations of this Nature, The British Journal of Cancer article that says, “may translate to potential benefits and clinical outcomes.” Here is the link to the recommendations in Nature, The British Journal of Cancer: Table 2 Dietary and general recommendations for patients and physicians prior to commencement of ICI
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-021-01467-x/tables/2
BTW, both Nivolumab and Ipilimumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)

Here’s the link to the full journal article:
Nature, The British Journal of Cancer: The gut microbiome: what the oncologist ought to know
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-021-01467-x#Sec19
I wish you the best and I hope that your ipi-nivo treatment is successful!