Immunotherapy: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Posted by ina3 @ina3, Oct 30, 2018

Hi,

My name is Ina and i am writing on behalf of my dad who was diagnosed with lung cancer- adenocarcinoma 3 months ago.

I live in Washington DC and my dad lives in country Georgia.

Since I joined this forum, I learnt so many things, reading some of the stories gave me hope and I hope that I will be able share the story about my dad with positive results soon.

Since I cannot bring my dad here in the USA, I am trying to get a second opinion on the treatment that he was given. I would appreciate very much if you give me some information and advice.

After the genetics test we were told that
ROS-1, ALK were negatives but PDL1 expression is positive and MSI-is High. These results means that they can not use targeted therapy but they can use immunotherapy with chemotherapy;
Doctors advised Pembrolizumab(keytruda) 200mg+ karboplatin+ pemetrexet /ever 3 weeeks
And with pemetrexet, we mus take folic acid vitamin and B12

The treatment will be repeated every 3 weeeks and untıl 6 th cycle.

I am interested in side effect too. For how long the side effects last usually? I worry that with both Chemo and Immunotherapy every 3 weeks he wont get a break practically and the side effect being severe.

Thank you again.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

gregc1 | @gregc1 | Sep 28, 2023

I’m new here so I would like to provide a brief history of my situation. I was diagnosed w/stage IV lung cancer w/mets to the brain, adrenal glands and right ingunal lymph node. I have had successful brain surgery along with cyber knife radiation plus multiple radiation treatments to aforementioned areas. I have also undergone 55 keytruda infusion treatments and have recently been told I can no longer have further treatments. The reason for stopping keytruda was decided because of a pretty severe case of colitis as a side effect.
So, after 3 + years of treatments I’m being told my only option is chemotherapy but my doctor wants delay that decision for a period of time to monitor any new activity occurring with the effected areas.
My question would be has anyone experienced my situation and if so what was prescribed as a solution?
Thanks

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Sep 28, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "So good to hear from you @richcolleen and with such hopeful news. How are you doing?" + (show)

Thanks for asking. Endocrinologist had oncologist check out protein as was running low. Did the blood work which was sent to MAYO and I will get results October 2nd. Feel really good except for back (broke 8 vertebrae’s and 4 had to be cement. So I think my back problems are here to stay. Can’t complain as of. July I’m off all pain meds. Sold my home and moved to apartment to limit yard work and snow removal. But thank you and I’m doing well.
Colleen

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Oct 4, 2023

In reply to @gregc1 "I’m new here so I would like to provide a brief history of my situation. I..." + (show)

Hi @gregc1, Welcome to Mayo Connect. It sounds like you had a good run on Keytruda, sadly the side effects of the TKIs can take their toll on the body. I haven't been met with your situation yet, I take a different TKI. How do you feel about taking a break from treatment? What scan schedule has your doc recommended to monitor any new growth?

gregc1 | @gregc1 | Oct 5, 2023

In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @gregc1, Welcome to Mayo Connect. It sounds like you had a good run on Keytruda,..." + (show)

I feel a little nervous about the uncertainty of being able to return to Keytruda treatments. As for scan schedule, my doctor has always had me on a 3 month cycle so I assume that will be her plan going forward. My next doctor visit is December 4th and I have a Brain MRI and a c/a/p ct scan prior to that visit. I hope to be more informed about the future plan after my visit.

denise96 | @denise96 | 2 days ago

In reply to @schmeeckle64 "I am on Keytruda since January 2019. My last scan showed the cancer on my liver..." + (show)

Amen!

denise96 | @denise96 | 2 days ago

In reply to @richcolleen "I’m having my scan done at Mayo on 27Th of Jan. Will be curious what mine..." + (show)

How often do you have to get immunotheapy after you quit the chemo treatments?

richcolleen | @richcolleen | 2 days ago

In reply to @denise96 "How often do you have to get immunotheapy after you quit the chemo treatments?" + (show)

I did keytruda for 2 years. That’s max. Every 21 days.

abob | @abob | 1 day ago

In reply to @denise96 "Amen!" + (show)

Yes! Do stay positive. You are getting great results from Keytruda. (My husband did 4 rounds of chemo prior to Keytruda, he had minimal side effects - mostly just fatigue).