Immunotherapy: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
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.
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.
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.
@richcolleen have you lost your hair on Keytruda?
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.
@birdsforever, welcome to Connect. As @seaspray mentions Keytruda and CBD/THC is not a good mixture. CBD oil interferes with immunotherapy. You can find members talking about it here:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Cannabis and Cannabinoids https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nivolumabkeytruda-cannabis-and-cannabinoids/
@ina3, I unfortunately am unable to answer your question about how long do you know before Keytruda treatment is working. That is definitely a good question to ask your dad's oncologist.
Hello @shortshot80 Nancy,
It has been a while since you last posted. I hope you are still doing well with your immunotherapy. I would love to hear from you again.
Will you post sometime soon?
Oh wow. I'm so happy its working.
Yes, there are a few Keytruda threads on there. I have been on Opdivo since Sept 2015!!!
Thank you! I will do that. Was the thyroid wiped out from the Keytruda?