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PADCEV + KEYTRUDA: results and side effects

Bladder Cancer | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (21)

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@scbil , I was on PADCEV /Keytruda for a recurrence of stage 3 muscle invasive bladder cancer in 2025. (My cancer had been non detectable for 1 year after radical cystectomy and gemcitibine/cisplatin chemo in 2024)
On padcev /chemo I never had nausea but almost immediately lost my sense of taste and desire to eat almost everything. Tough for a foodie who liked to cook. Also lost my hair and had rashes all over my body . The rashes looked like mild sunburns and I looked tan although Im never in the sun without protection. I had a complete response after four cycles and was able to have two additional ones before my quality of life was really bad. I had also lost about 35 pounds. My doctor put me on a two month hiatus and now I am back on Keytruda only. My medical oncologist was pretty certain that for me it was the padcev that was causing my issues. Because I had a full response he explained that I had three options 1- reduced dosage of both drugs 2-Keytruda only 3-no treatment. He recommended Keytruda only. I will be on Keytruda unless something serious develops again for another year or so. Still dealing with severe psoriasis on my legs from the Keytruda, but that now is being successfully treated with Skyrizzi by the dermatology oncologist, who works with my medical oncologist at Mount Sinai in New York.
I also receive zofran before each infusion, but don’t need it on a day-to-day basis. It was a lifesaver when I was on chemo in 2024 with nausea and vomiting. I started eating normally again after the two month hiatus and now no longer need regular visits with a dietitian on my medical oncologist team . My weight has stabilized and I can now eat the healthy things that I used to enjoy again. It’s a very tough balance with quality of life and fighting this disease. I wish you and your wife the best!

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Replies to "@scbil , I was on PADCEV /Keytruda for a recurrence of stage 3 muscle invasive bladder..."

@141emp Keytruda+Padcev is a side effect challenge initially. Most of us went thru those effects. Upside, the combo is a game changer in oncology with survival rates. But initially with treatment you wonder is it worth it. I did on multiple occasions and now in "remission".