Boost to Immunotherapy in Gynecological Cancers

Posted by juliea55 @juliea55, 2 days ago

I have a form of ovarian cancer for which I am currently receiving Keytruda, among other things. Last week MD Anderson and the University of Florida reported that there is good evidence that Covid Mrna shots greatly improved the immune response of lung cancer and melanoma patients taking Keytruda. Those who received the shots within 100 days of starting immunotherapy lived nearly twice as long as those who didn’t. The theories advanced suggested to me that the same positive immune response might occur for those with gynecological tumors who are given Keytruda and get a Covid shot (Mrna). My cancer doctor agreed and thought the 100 day cutoff was immaterial. I had been dragging my feet about repeating the vaccine, but to me it was worth the chance that a Covid shot would greatly improve my response to immunotherapy. I got it last week and will be interested to see if my numbers improve. I am curious—did anyone else taking Keytruda see the same report and make the same decision? I don’t

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

val64 | @val64 | 2 days ago

Thanks for calling our attention to this. If I had seen this when I was taking Keytruda (or any similar drug), I definitely would have gotten a Covid shot.

qsprite | @qsprite | 2 days ago

I saw the same study and have been on Keytruda for metastatic endometrial cancer, too late for the 100 days. I got my COVID booster in September and it was the strongest response I have had. I am glad I did the COVID and flu shot a week apart. Crossing my fingers that I get the same bump as the study.

juliea55 | @juliea55 | 2 days ago

I read in one of the reports that the enhanced response to Keytruda was generated because of the Mrna platform. If so, that raises the question of whether other Mrna vaccines (I think at least some of the RSV vaccines are Mrna vaccines) could also generate the same response. If anyone has any knowledge on these issues, I would be very interested in your take!

lv67 | @lv67 | 2 days ago

I am being treated at MD Anderson and was on Keytruda. They did not suggest that I take the Covid shot. I don't believe the study was done on gynecologic cancers.

juliea55 | @juliea55 | 2 days ago

Hi, lv. Yes, you are correct. The study was done on lung and skin cancers. But the underlying theory is that covid vaccines sensitize cancerous tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors such as Keytruda, making them much more effective. Some might think that is worth getting a covid shot if they are on Keytruda and have a solid tumor cancer, such as ovarian cancer.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | 1 day ago

In reply to @juliea55 "Hi, lv. Yes, you are correct. The study was done on lung and skin cancers. But..." + (show)

@juliea55 Thank you for sharing this information with us.

Please sign in or register to post a reply.