ketruda and diabetes

Yes, I have had an issue. Blood work done before each infusion has shown all levels normal. However, skin rash and sores and itching have now become intolerable. I stopped infusions about two months ago because of skin condition, and my next infusion is scheduled for later in June. However, all the skin problems remain and seem to be getting worse. So, I have decided that after blood work and visiting with doctor I will just stop. I have had 14 infusions in the last 14 months, and I think it is time to stop Keytruda before I get some more side effects.

Is the keytruda itch all over your body? I am currently on a regime of Carboplatin, Taxol, and keytruda and had a very severe itch in my feet and hands. It has mostly resolved with a 100mg of Gabapentin taken 3x/day. I am hoping this is not a permanent state of being. I sit down and elevate my feet when they start to itch, if I was working it would be impossible.
The 1/2 life of Keytruda is 22 days, so at 22 days 1/2 of it is still circulating, at 44 days 1/4 would be left. I imagine with repeated infusions the numbers are a lot higher and it will take awhile to clear it out of your system.

Keytruda is used for prostate cancer so an increase in your PSA might be from another cause although if your pancreas is having issues with Keytruda maybe it could cause prostate issues from the higher blood sugar levels.
Just putting out ideas for you to drill your oncologist on.
Hope things work out for you.

Yes, the itching is all over. I am on a topical steroid which helps a little. I see dermatologist next week.

My oncologist, who has 40 years+ experience, has never seen an itch like mine. It is a neuropathic itch as it responds to Gabapentin, ice (feels better), and elevation. The cortisone creams and benadryl did not help at all. I am thinking it is from the Keytruda since the oncologist has never seen it before and wish it was just an itch as there may be nerve damage occurring with the itch. Gabapentin just does something in the brain and turns off the itch signal while the cause of the itch is still occurring.
Hope you have a good consult with the Dermatologist, let us know how he helps you.

@misspeanut5722 and @ronsale You're seeing Keytruda does come with its share of adverse events, affecting some of us differently and to varying extents, as @beebe has noted. What works for some may not for others, so as @beebe, asked, could you let me know what your dermatologist has to say after your visit next week, @ronsale?

@misspeanut5722: Although my husband is not on immunotherapy, his PSA has varied tremendously over the years; as his urologist explained, it can be impacted by several factors. What my research found in the case of immunotherapy was this: "While immunotherapy [in the case for prostate cancer] can sometimes cause a temporary increase in PSA levels, it generally leads to a decrease or stabilization in PSA levels over time.... The initial rise is often due to the immune response triggered by the therapy, which can temporarily affect prostate cells and lead to a transient PSA increase before the treatment begins to work".

PLEASE NOTE: I am not saying this is necessarily the situation in this case - as it's always the best rule of thumb to have this confirmed by a provider in the field - but there is potential the Keytruda is swaying the numbers.
Can you let me know once that opportunity has been obtained and what the provider has said?