Mortality rate: Anyone stopped Keytruda due to side effects?
My oncologist sited a UK study that shows a difference in mortality rate of patients who took Keytruda and those who did not was between 5% and 6%.
I have not searched for that study. I’d like to know if this was a valid study, strictly monitored.
I ask this because in my case I had a severe adverse reaction to my first dose of Keytruda and am considering suspending further infusions.
My oncologist said all immunology drugs would have similar side effects.
This cancer experience of mine is overshadowed by arthritis.
I’ve posted here before with more details.
Just wondering if further infusions are worth the side effects with only a 5-6% difference?
Has anyone else on here made a decision to stop infusions and what was the outcome/experience?
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I have been taking Keytruda infusions for about 20 months for a total of 18 infusions. I am 83 and my kidney cancer was diagnosed in March of 2023. I opted out of total nephrectomy and my only treatment has been the Keytuda. My next infusion is scheduled for next week and will be the 19th. I have suffered from severe skin rash from the Keytruda , but oncologist wants to keep my on it indefinitely, but I think this next will be my last at least for the next several months. So far I have been able to do all of the normal things of daily living, and last ct scan showed no spread of cancer and shrinkage of kidney lesion.
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2 ReactionsMy urologist didn’t suggest passing on the removal and just using immunotherapy. Maybe the tumor was too large. My cancerous kidney weighed 4 pounds!
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