Lung cancer - long term immunotherapy (2.5yrs) & side effects

Hi dawidyogi, that is great news that the cancer has shrunk by 80%. Sorry to hear that your Dad has these issues though.

Can I ask, are you in the Uk? As immunotherapy is only given for 2 years in the Uk. It’s not a problem if you are outside of the UK, but would explain why your dad is still on this treatment. 

Has your Dad’s oncologist said anything about the way your Dad is bent forward and the pain he is in? Also has your Dad had a bone density scan? I think this would be the first thing I would be looking at. 

Hi Chelle,

Thanks for getting back to me :) Yes, my dad's in Poland which explains why they carry on with the treatment. 

As bad as it sounds the oncologist is more excited about the cancer results rather than concerned about anything else. 

I'll look into the bone density scan, my dad had and successfully defeated osteoporosis in the past, but it might have come back. With the amount of radiation from tomography, PET and scintigraphy the doctors are reluctant to do yet another test, but might be worth it!

Once again, thank you!

David

Hi David,

My mum was on Pembrolizumab for 18 months and it worked wonders on her cancer, like your father it shrunk by 80%, however she had to be taken off it early as it had started to cause very painful arthritis in her joints, leaving her having difficulties to walk and very little use of her hands.  After stopping immunotherapy and having treatment for her arthritis this has now improved significantly.  Apparently, Immunotherapy is supposed to stay in your system for a while after stopping and in a way can "train" your immune system to continue attacking the cancer cells for a period of time after. 

I would discuss your concerns with your father's consultant.

All the best

Hi Nic1825,

Thanks for the reply. In my case it's very difficult to tell if the immunotherapy is to blame, as recently, despite continuing, my dad bounced back and got much better. Unfortunately, with over 70 years of age and 50 out of those at work, plus some other illnesses - hard to tell exactly what's going on and why. Anyway, it only shows there's always hope, a few months ago things looked very bad, but my dad never stops fighting and it does pay off.

All the best to you and your mum!

David