Stopping immunotherapy due to disease progression

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My husband was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in June 2023.  He started on immunotherapy in August 23 and until January was told  tumour, pleural thickening had shrunk.  Fast forward to April 24 even though most of the nodules have vanished there is one localised area that has doubled in size.  Even though there has been some progression he is still felling well , has no breathlessness & has never had pleural effusion.  He has now been offered Chemo - Pemetrexed & Carboplstin - has anyone else had this for their Meso & how did you get on with it.      

We did ask if there were better treatments available elsewhere but were told that private treatments haven’t gone through trial & most aren’t licensed.  Just wondered what other treatments people are being offered or are currently on - as we are currently feeling deflated & a little shell shocked at the progression since January.            

  • Hi Hope 83

    My husband only had 3 chemo - he was quite poorly with it & it didn’t do anything - in fact his mass had grown again.  We were told a Clinical Trial would be one of the only things that might work so he started a trial on Monday a targeted drug - we are keeping our fingers crossed that this improves things 

    Hope the chemo works for your dad.

    Best wishes to you & your family.

  • Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry the chemo didn’t contain your husbands cancer. Do you mind me asking where in the country you are for participating in the trial. I wonder for us on Merseyside it would be an option. Fingers crossed it works well for your husband. Devastating disease. I feel numb :(

  • We live in the North West too in between Bolton & Manchester.  It is a horrible disease my husband was a 17 year old apprentice joiner when he worked cutting up sheets of asbestos board.  He was diagnosed last year in June 50 years later.

  • Age similar to my dad he is 73 so not too much older than your husband. We are at a bit of a loss where my dad was exposed nothing concrete he worked a bit on the docks and re wiring motors in his 20’s. I wish you both all the best too. Take care