1. < Lung Cancer

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.

Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 28, 2023
In reply to @richcolleen "My tumor went away! It was stage 4 long cancer and nodules had gone into kidneys..." + (show)
@richcolleen

My tumor went away! It was stage 4 long cancer and nodules had gone into kidneys and cells in left long and stomach. No one taught I’d be around much past a year. It will be four years in March.

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So good to hear from you @richcolleen and with such hopeful news. How are you doing?

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1 reply
richcolleen | @richcolleen | Sep 27, 2023

My tumor went away! It was stage 4 long cancer and nodules had gone into kidneys and cells in left long and stomach. No one taught I’d be around much past a year. It will be four years in March.

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1 reply
ccwill | @ccwill | Sep 15, 2023

@freda73
Trust you and your husband are well. I realized that your question regarding whether or not your husband should have immunotherapy maintenance was not addressed. I will be at the same crossroad after completing my sixth chemo cycle next week, on September 18, 2023. There's very little current (2023) information in these forums to help me make a decision. I'm grateful to everyone who has shared details of their experiences, especially in terms of their side effects of immunotherapy. May you stay blessed and healed.

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1 reply
schmeeckle64 | @schmeeckle64 | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "@schmeeckle64, any update? How are you doing?" + (show)
@colleenyoung

@schmeeckle64, any update? How are you doing?

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The scan showed that the spot by my pancreas had shrunk and everything else looked good. I will have my fourth round here in a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for asking.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 12, 2023
In reply to @schmeeckle64 "Yes, my treatment is Carboplatin and Alimta plus the Keytruda! Just had a scan today and..." + (show)
@schmeeckle64

Yes, my treatment is Carboplatin and Alimta plus the Keytruda! Just had a scan today and we will find out the results tomorrow when I have my next treatment. I hope your dad is feeling good.

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@schmeeckle64, any update? How are you doing?

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1 reply
schmeeckle64 | @schmeeckle64 | Aug 3, 2023
In reply to @ehb999 "Did you have Chemo as well?" + (show)
@ehb999

Did you have Chemo as well?

Jump to this post

Yes, my treatment is Carboplatin and Alimta plus the Keytruda! Just had a scan today and we will find out the results tomorrow when I have my next treatment. I hope your dad is feeling good.

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1 reply
ehb999 | @ehb999 | Aug 2, 2023
In reply to @schmeeckle64 "Hi! I am also on the same treatment. The first round I was nauseated and had..." + (show)
@schmeeckle64

Hi! I am also on the same treatment. The first round I was nauseated and had the dry heaves. I talked to my oncologist and he put me on a drug clled Varubi for the nausea. It was a miracle drug. The second treatment was super smooth other than being a little tired. I hope this information helps!
Take Care!

Christie

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Did you have Chemo as well?

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1 reply
schmeeckle64 | @schmeeckle64 | Aug 1, 2023

Hi! I am also on the same treatment. The first round I was nauseated and had the dry heaves. I talked to my oncologist and he put me on a drug clled Varubi for the nausea. It was a miracle drug. The second treatment was super smooth other than being a little tired. I hope this information helps!
Take Care!

Christie

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1 reply
ehb999 | @ehb999 | Aug 1, 2023
In reply to @freda73 "They are starting my husband on keytruda immunotherapy this week but he had kidney and 2..." + (show)
@freda73

They are starting my husband on keytruda immunotherapy this week but he had kidney and 2 lymph nodes removed pet scan was clear but they are asking him to do immunotherapy every 21 days for a year. Is that necessary even if there is no visible cancer cells?? I just think it’s excessive for not having any visible cancer . Thanks

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how is you husband doing?

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ehb999 | @ehb999 | Jul 31, 2023
In reply to @schmeeckle64 "I am on Keytruda since January 2019. My last scan showed the cancer on my liver..." + (show)
@schmeeckle64

I am on Keytruda since January 2019. My last scan showed the cancer on my liver and lymph nodes is gone and the cancer in my lung is shrinking. I pray and pray that I don't have to ever do chemo. It's hard to stay positive but it truly helps.

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what side effects have you experienced?

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