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Anyone on the Ipilimumab (Yervoy) and Nivolumab (Opdivo) combo?
Greetings - I have stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lungs. I’ve already gone through two rounds of chemo and radiation. I’ve recently switched to a new oncologist in a new hospital system. He has put me through the paces of tests including more CT and PET scans as well as a biopsy. I’ve had these things done with prior cancer team but he wanted to retest and I was fine with that.
After completing the tests I met with him this week and he is suggesting double immunotherapy. A combination of Ipilumab and Nivolumab with one every two weeks and the other every six weeks.
I’ve never had immunotherapy before. There was some hesitation due to a bout of colitis I had many years ago. But we are going ahead with it.
Has anyone taken these two immunotherapy drugs? What was your experience with it?
Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Maureen
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Hello Maureen, @detroitmom23 , I'm glad that your change in doctors has been productive. I'm hoping some others may add some input on their experience with this immunotherapy combination.
Ipilimumab and Nivolumab are known under brand names of YERVOY and OPDIVO. I think we've all see those TV commercials.
When do they want to start you on the treatment?
@detroitmom23, I'm delighted to hear that there is an immunotherapy combo that might work for you. I remember you posted a while back that immunotherapy was not suggested for your specific cancer due to lack of specific markers. May I ask what has changed? When do you start?
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1 ReactionThanks Colleen and Lisa…
My new Oncologist feels that I can still benefit from immunotherapy even though I don’t have the markers. Apparently there is new research to support this. I was surprised to hear this. He also could just be throwing me a bone since I’ve been through radiation and chemo twice now. However, he is known for thinking outside of the box and is highly regarded so keeping my fingers crossed.
I was supposed to start the double immunotherapy last week but wt the very last moment we had to cancel because my insurance company denied the coverage. The Dr. is working on appealing it so hopefully I’ll know something this week.
Thank you for reaching out and I will keep you in the loop!
Maureen
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2 ReactionsMaureen (@detroitmom23), you know our fingers and toes are crossed for you too! Hopefully thinking out of the box is just what you need. Hugs.
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1 ReactionWhere are you being treated?
I’m on the same path - same treatment plan starts next week
I had a port put in today
I did not have prior chemo but lots of radiation
Keeping my fingers crossed!
I have the same diagnosis as you with KRASg12c biomarker - pdl1 negative. Don’t think he’s throwing you a bone- there are trials to support the combo- checkmate 227 was just updated with good results
I’ve also been looking for those with experience in the combo - it seems more used for melanoma so maybe it’s relatively new for lung adenocarcinoma - my dr told me the dosing for NSCLC is much less than for melanoma so I’m hopeful the side effects are less - fingers crossed!
I am on this combo. Started on 3/5/25 on same schedule you will be on. I also have no markers and negative PFL-1 but my Dr thinks I may still respond to dual immunotherapy. I have non small cell Squamous type. Have had surgery to remove right upper lobe and radiation but now has spread to lymph nodes and other lobe. Haven’t had any chemo yet. So far minimal side effects from immunotherapy except occasional itching. Dr says lot of times don’t start until couple months in so guess time will tell if I get bad side effects.