Boost to Immunotherapy in Gynecological Cancers

Posted by juliea55 @juliea55, Nov 1 7:40pm

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

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lathomasmd | @lathomasmd | 4 days ago

In reply to @juliea55 "That was my thought as well. So I figure I’ll wait another month or two. Plus..." + (show)

@juliea55 Mayo patient with HGS ovarian cancer here. I am on maintenance treatment with Avastin (bevacizumab). My oncologist advised getting any vaccine at the halfway point between infusions.
Would you share with us what type of ovarian cancer you have?

juliea55 | @juliea55 | 4 days ago

Hi, lathomasmd. I don’t think the immunotherapy boost is relevant to Avastin, although I am taking that as well. As I understand it, it applies to immune checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda. However, I am not a doctor or scientist so please take my observations with a grain of salt. I’m happy to share my form of cancer. I have primary peritoneal cancer, which is essentially a form of ovarian cancer. My cancer is also high-grade serous cancer, as most ovarian cancers are. For what it’s worth, I am being treated at MD Anderson and my doctor there was in favor of me bringing all my vaccines up to date, including my covid and RSV vaccines. The only limitation as I understood it was I could not have live vaccines. You should obviously rely on your own doctor’s advice. P.S. I was also treated at Mayo Jacksonville and love the team there as well.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | 2 days ago

In reply to @juliea55 "Hi, lathomasmd. I don’t think the immunotherapy boost is relevant to Avastin, although I am taking..." + (show)

@juliea55 Thank you for sharing these details. We can and should ask our doctors questions. Thank you for reminding all of us that we need to rely on our own doctor's advice.