Melonoma 3C and Keytruda 12 vx 24 months

@jaxthecat: I have undergone Keytruda infusions for Stage 4 melanoma but I'm afraid I'm unclear as to your question. Can you provide more detail as to precisely what it is you're asking or what your medical provider has prescribed? Hopefully then I or others can provide some more background into our own experiences.

@grammatoria
My stage 3c melonoma was removed by surgery. My mitosis rate is very high. The 2 lymph nodes showed microscopic cells. I am taking Keytruda, and would like to know if taking it for longer than 1 year has added benefits. The scans are clear. Would 18 months of Keytruda be more beneficial in the long run?

@jaxthecat Thank you for providing that information. What you're describing sounds like adjuvant treatment (after surgical removal) of immunotherapy for melanoma detected in the lymph system. That corresponds as you stated to stage 3 melanoma as opposed to stage 4, when it has spread to major organs - such as the brain, liver, lungs or bones.

From my understanding and research, in such cases the standard length of treatment with Keytruda is generally one year, following complete surgical resection, which is what you had. This is based upon studies that have shown that continuing immunotherapy beyond that time period does not provide additional benefit for most patients. As with any treatment plan, it is best practice to check with the medical provider overseeing your care to discuss the option most advisable for your individual case presentation.

I can tell you from my own personal experience with Stage 4 melanoma, I had to stop Keytruda in less tha one year vs. the recommended standard of 2 years due to toxicity after 10 months. As I had already achieved a complete response during that time (resolution of the lung metastasis) this actually corresponded to new supporting studies of stopping earlier - before the 2 year standad for Stage 4 - at one year or less, for those like me who have achieved such a response.

In conclusion, longer term treatment with Keytruda does not necessarily equate with greater success in suppression or prevention. Does this information help?

Good morning
I have stage 4 melanoma in my lung that is inoperable. I am in remission but my oncologist is keeping me on keytruda forever. So far I have been on it for 5 years.
Melanoma likes to hide therefore he doesn't want to take me off it.
Keytruda saved my life but it has damaged me along the way.
It damaged my heart, my teeth broke off and turned dark, it is irritating the arthritis in my back.

I'm sorry to hear about all the damages from Keytruda you have experienced. but happy you are in remission.

So keeping you on Keytruda has kept you in remission. Are you seeing oncologists from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN?

@jaxthecat I am in Texas and have treatment at a center for cancer and blood disorders.

@jaxthecat: This peer reviewed medical journal article provides information regarding findings on duration for immunotherapy: https://oncodaily.com/oncolibrary/immune-oncology/lifelong-immunotherapy. Let me know if this helps to clarify any concerns you may have.

Thank you so much for the information! I know everyone is different, but it does indicate that staying on Keytruda longer does not show considerable benefits.

@jaxthecat: there is also a great deal of professional medical literature on this but the article link was a bit easier to understand.

I’d mentioned that personally I had been taken off Keytruda after 10 treatments due to signs of toxicity (and as noted had achieved a durable response to date). Interestingly, studies have also shown that such responses appear to demonstrate a strongly activated immune system that's generally associated with better outcomes. In my case, I’m continually with regular three month imaging surveillance; should a recurrence be detected and my colitis continues to be controlled, I can resume immunotherapy.

In any event, has this helped your original question about your own duration of treatment?

@grammato3
I found it very interesting but my doctor insists I stay on keytruda. This could have something to do with this being my 4th cancer in 10 years with breast, thyroid, stage 3 melonoma on my arm which metastasized to stage 4
in my lung.