Together we will beat cancer

Donate
  1. Home
  2. About Cancer
  3. Cancer Chat
  4. Post A Discussion
  5. Living with cancer
  6. Chemo and immunotherapy advice

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

Post to forum
Search

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

24 Jan 2023 23:13

Hi all, I am due to start on Chemo next week (Carboplatin and Pemetrexed) with Pembrolizumab (Immunotherapy) for 4 cycles, followed by follow up Pembrolizumab for 2 years if tolerated and appropriate. I've seen a lot of encouraging posts about this drug, but why do they only prescribe it for 2 years? Is it down to finance alone? I've not got health insurance, and I'm 51. At the start of the treatment journey, this seems like the icing on what has already been a ****** cake! If anyone can chat to me about their experience / what to do about trying to extend treatment, I'd appreciate it! Stay strong and well everyone. Thanks for reading. 
 

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

25 Jan 2023 13:21 in response to Hellsbells22

Just thought I'd update you on the two year immunotherapy deadline, my husband had this and tolerated it well but after two years it's considered that it's done what it needed to do so further treatment is not necessary.  It targets the cancer itself not the whole body which chemo does.  Good luck and hope this helps you a little bit.  Carol x 

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

25 Jan 2023 17:02 in response to Dor06

Thanks Carol, it does. Is he doing well? 

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

25 Jan 2023 17:22 in response to Hellsbells22

My husband died a year ago yesterday but he was 75 and had managed another five years as he was stage 4 when diagnosed.  

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

25 Jan 2023 17:29 in response to Dor06

I'm sorry Carol, thank you so much for reaching out and chatting to me. xx

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

25 Jan 2023 20:10 in response to Hellsbells22

You're very welcome. 

Chemo and immunotherapy advice

29 Jan 2023 22:00 in response to Hellsbells22

Hi Hellsbells - I am on immunotherapy, but not pembro.  All the benefit with immunotherapy is in the first two years and it carries on being active in your body after you stop taking it.  There has been a lot of trials which show that there is no additional benefit taking it after year 2.  I have a different cancer to you (renal) and what happens in my space is that we get to 2 years and my onco and I have a review of What Happens Next, treatment wise.  If the cancer starts growing again or new bits occur after 2 years then we can always go on a different immunotherapy drug.  In fact, we have one in mind already - tivozanib.  

15
30
50