Hi,
My husband finished 4 rounds of carboplatin 6 weeks ago but a recent CT scan shown that his tumours ( stage 4 NSCLC ) have grown slightly . He now has been given the option of starting atezolizumab or Docetaxel. He would prefer the immunotherapy and I wondered if other have experience of this drug and how they have tolerated it and if it has been effective. Thank you x
Sally
hi Alice i am on atezolizumab. only had two treatments but up to now i feal great. as it was only allowed from may don't think uk got enough info yet. hope this helps
Hi Sally
I started this treatment back in May, 2 days after it was licensed, my last chemo hadn’t worked and my oncologist was waiting for the go ahead to put me on Atezolizumab it was an easy decision for me as the Oak trial comparing the two treatments was very encouraging towards Atezolizumab
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)32517-X/fulltext
The link above is the results of this trial, plus compared to Docetaxel side effects of Atezolizumab is so much kinder, I have had 4 treatments so far and had no significant side effects, after my first one did experience pain around the area where my tumours were but was advised this may happen as for some people it causes the tumours to swell as your body adjusts to the treatment but it soon settled down, another bonus compared to Chemo, treatment only takes 30 minutes plus 2 x 5 minutes flushes
I really hope your husband does well on this treatment
wishing you both well
Margaret
Thank you Derek , that sounds very encouraging .. Sending you best wishes x
Hi Margaret,
Thank you so much for your very helpful response. The link from the Lancet was really interesting. I'm so pleased that you are tolerating Atezolizumab so well and long may it continue . It's so helpful and reassuring to hear from people like yourself who have first hand experience of this new treatment,
Best Wishes , Sally x
thank you margaret. i had forgot about the oak report that my ornacologist told me about.
Hello Sally, my husbands next treatment after Keytruda was to be Docetaxal but his Onc suggested Tecentriq, which was new and he’s now about to have Is 8th treatment of Atezalizumab (Tecentriq) and has had 1 CT scan so far and about to have his second one. Results are good so far, side effects are minimal, tiredness, feeling sick at times, some aches and pain in his shoulder where there is spread.
I have read about Docetaxal and it is quite a harsh treatment, so pleased that Tecentriq was an option for my husband.
Wishing you and your husband all the best, take care.
Jacqui
thank you Jacqui it is encouraging to all us that are new to Atezalizumab that your husband is doing so well with it.
Hi Jacqui ,
Thank you so much for your reply . So good to read such encouraging news . I hope your husband continues with his great response to Tecentriq . We have decided that he will go for this option ...your words have really helped us with our decision.
Sending you both very best wishes ,
Sally x
update/ all had meeting with ornacologist monday. say's he is happy with the way things going. 3rd treatment tomorrow. told then will have meeting with pharmacist ? a ct scan to be arranged for after my 4th treatment. has anyone else met up with pharmacist ?
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007