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.

2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Oct 20, 2019

In reply to @2onlow8 "Hoping for another great scan for you. Keep us updated!" + (show)

Alimta and Keytruda are not keeping cancer from growing. I get a new scan 11/1 and will probably get Crizotinib from now on. Am told I have few options left. Does anyone have any experience with this targeted therapy?

2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Oct 8, 2019

In reply to @richcolleen "No I have not but on November 4th have my next cat scan I will. Last..." + (show)

Hoping for another great scan for you. Keep us updated!

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Oct 8, 2019

No I have not but on November 4th have my next cat scan I will. Last time tumor and nodules stayed the same.

2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Oct 8, 2019

In reply to @richcolleen "Good Morning! I have been getting chemo, immunotherapy and Keytruda. Had 8 treatments so far every..." + (show)

@richcolleen I am in same situation as you, just had my 3rd infusion of Keytruda added to my 10th Alimta (Chemo) treatment. Trying to keep cancer from growing, and it has slowed progression, and I should find out if it’s all stopping growth in a few days. I too am now out of commission 7 days out of each 21-day cycle. Have you discussed with your oncologist what the next step would be when current treatments stop working?

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Oct 8, 2019

Good Morning! I have been getting chemo, immunotherapy and Keytruda. Had 8 treatments so far every 21 days. I did skip one full treatment was tired of being sick 8- 10 days and try to recover next 10. Only food I ate was when I took my pills like crackers. Wait 5 minutes and if they stayed down than would take pills. Just got very weak. Go back for next cocktail on the 14th. Next scan on November 4th to see if tumor stayed the same or growing. I have same cancer your dad does but was told by 4 different cancer Drs it is not curable but treatable to keep me comfortable.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 16, 2019

In reply to @richcolleen "I’ve been on same treatment same lung cancer but mine had spread. These treatments are giving..." + (show)

Hi @richcolleen, I thought you might appreciate knowing about this discussion in the Cancer group:
- Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/talking-frankly-about-living-with-advanced-cancer/

Enjoy your treatment vacation. Are you finding that with some of the returning energy, you’re able to do things that bring you joy? Want to share?

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Sep 15, 2019

I’ve been on same treatment same lung cancer but mine had spread. These treatments are giving me the best quality of life possible as I will not beat this. I’ve accepted it and living the best I can. I’m also on OxyContin which I take every 12 hours. The Mayo Clinic does scan every 3 months. My tumor was massive and 3 nodules. Tumor has shrunk in half and nodules have stayed the same. These treatments wear me out so right know I’m on 2 weeks rest (which means no treatments) feeling good and got energy back. The 23rd I will start my treatments again.

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Sep 5, 2019

It’s been almost five months. Thinning out but has not fallen out in chunks just has tined out in half with a little every day.

2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Sep 5, 2019

In reply to @richcolleen "I am on same treatment! I get sick for 6-12 days after each treatment. I’ve had..." + (show)

@richcolleen have you lost your hair on Keytruda?

richcolleen | @richcolleen | Sep 5, 2019

I am on same treatment! I get sick for 6-12 days after each treatment. I’ve had 8. Asked to take 3 weeks off as want to build up strength and feel good. Mayo Dr said others have done that. No idea what will happen to my tumor.