Immunotherapy

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My wife who has finally been diagnosed with womb cancer has been scheduled for chemotherapy but also offered immunotherapy. The problem is that she also has biliary duct cirrhosis which shes had for years ,( shes checked regularly and all is well with it), and were told that adding immunotherapy into the treatment plan while an option was a risk for such things as possible liver failure since the BDC is the result of an immune system problem. We've been given this information and told the decision is ours to make as to whether we want to proceed with it. Problem is now we really don't have any idea on how to make that decision on our own and welcome any thoughts on the matter before treatment starts..any thoughts, experience, probabilities would be greatly appreciated...

  • Dear John36843, 

    My name is Carla and I’m one of the Cancer information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line 

    I am really very sorry to read about the difficulty that you and your wife are facing since her diagnosis of womb cancer 

    Immunotherapy treatment can cause inflammatory and autoimmune complications. It is not possible to predict which patients will be affected but patients with pre-existing autoimmune disorders may be at higher risk. 

    These side effects usually present within days, however in some instances they will present after treatment has stopped. People will be monitored for adverse events for up to 1-2 years post treatment.  

    Most of these adverse events can be reversed if toxicities are identified early and appropriate treatment is given.  

    I would encourage you and your wife to reach out and have a discussion with her hepatology consultant. They may be able to offer insight or information that will help you in decision making. 

    It may also be helpful to think of questions to ask the cancer team.   

    You may wish to ask about which immunotherapy drug is being offered as there are some drug treatments which are more likely to cause side effects than others.  

    I would also encourage you and your wife to ask the oncologist if they can provide any statistics or guidance comparing effectiveness in treatment outcomes with the immunotherapy or without.  

    Treatment decisions can feel overwhelming at times. You and your wife may find it helpful to give us a call to the support line where we can usually discuss things in a bit more detail with a 2-way conversation.  

    I hope this helps to guide you. Don’t hesitate to come back if you need anything.  

    Best wishes,  

    Carla, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email 

     

    Ref: HK/CC