Melanoma: What are your tips about immunotherapy (Keytruda)?

Posted by williamfh @williamfh, Dec 29, 2024

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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cglover47 | @cglover47 | Sep 3 5:47am

The glass is always 1/2 full. Positive is a large part of the fight. Be well!

williamfh | @williamfh | 3 days ago

Just had a clean scan again. It’s been since March of 2025 when I had my surgery. Had a year of Keytruda injections that ended last December. I’m thankful. After my next scan in March 2027 I’m gonna tapper off to every 6 months maybe longer. I don’t like radiation exposure. Peace to you all!

cglover47 | @cglover47 | 2 days ago

Following surgery July ‘25, I started Keytruda every 3 weeks , 200. After a clear PET the following June, I stopped treatments in favor of alternating PET and CT scans every 3 months. Treatments left me lacking energy, some skin irritation/itching. I’m blessed and hope you too will be!

Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 1 day ago

I had to stop Keytruda last September when I was sidelined, first by C-diff, then CMV colitis and ultimately ICI colitis (immune checkpoint inhibitor colitis, one of the associated adverse effects of this immunotherapy). It was a very rough fall and winter for me, the least of which was the unknown effect of early termination of the 2 year protocol for pembrolizumab. I'd been concerned for my recent routine survellience PET scan this week as I noticed an enlarged lymph node in my neck that persisted since last week but thankfully all has remained clear with NED (no evidence of disease). In the back of my mind I'm sure I'll remain on guard but I'm reassured by studies that have shown promise for those like me that have demonstrated positive rapid response to immunotherapy and not experiening a recurrence again. New treatments keep emerging, giving all of us living with this condition continued hope.