Immunotherapy for brain metastasis

Dear Craig84,

Thank you for reaching out to Macmillan. My name is Denise, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurses.

I am sorry to read your mother was diagnosed with primary lung cancer which has spread to her brain. This must be a very difficult time for you and her loved ones.

Unfortunately, as we do not have access to NHS records, we are unable to confirm if immunotherapy is suitable for a person with a cancer diagnosis. You can read more about targeted therapies and immunotherapies for lung cancer and who may benefit from those by clicking here.

 To be offered immunotherapy a person must have the laboratory (pathology) results confirmed to respond to a certain treatment and the person also should be relatively fit for treatment. Doctors also refer to this as performance status. As immunotherapy can have severe side effects it is important to balance the risks and benefits of the treatment. However, once a lung cancer managed to spread to the brain the focus of the treatment will be mainly about managing symptoms and improving quality of life. You can access more information about treatment for brain metastases here. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has produced a very comprehensive guide for treatment for brain metastases and you can access it here.

You can ask for a second opinion, and you can do this either by asking your Mum’s consultant or her GP to refer for a second opinion. You can read more about how to get a second opinion by clicking here.

I hope this information helps. Please do get back in touch with us if you have further questions. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 0000, you can also chat to us or email us 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Kind Regards,

Denise

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: DK/VG