after receiving my first monthly Xgeva injection I experienced a moderate cytokine release syndrome for several days: high fever, rapid heart rate, uncontrolled chills, and shaking, low oxygen, crackling lungs, pneumonia-like symptoms, severe headache…..
Felt better after approximately 10 days and then had stabilized ALP (no progression on bone scans )for the next four months and slowed PSA rise significantly. Did not receive any additional injections as the first injection was only meant for 30 days, but decided not to receive more after initial reaction.
Written by
Farmhand
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) happens when your immune system responds to infection or immunotherapy drugs more aggressively than it should. CRS symptoms include fever, nausea, fatigue and body aches. Prompt treatment is essential, as symptoms can worsen quickly.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment
Overview
What is cytokine release syndrome?
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) — sometimes called cytokine storm or cytokine-associated toxicity — is a condition that develops when your immune system responds too aggressively to infection. It can also happen after certain types of immunotherapy, such as CAR T-Cell Therapy.
With CRS, your body releases chemicals called cytokines. This process can result in a number of different symptoms and manifestations. People with CRS typically develop fever and a variety of other symptoms, which can affect multiple organs. Prompt treatment is key to reducing these exaggerated immune responses.
Hello Farmhand. Sorry to read your experience with Xgeva. I had my first Xgeva injection ten days ago and the only response to date has been increased spontaneous fatigue. Urologist has scheduled Xgeva every three months only. Received the Xgeva along with Trelstar 2 days following 5th of 6 scheduled Xofigo (Radium223) infusions. Side effects to Xofigo have been increasingly concerning. Nausea, bone pain, chills, significant fever. Have decided to forgo 6th infusion. Wish I could provide useful Xgeva support. Best wishes to you.
thank you so so much for response. So sorry that you are experiencing such difficult side effects with.Xofigo. Maybe sometimes less is more in terms of number of treatments….
The only side effect I noticed with Xofigo was sensitivity to sunlight as I had the treatment during the summer. I have been getting Xgeva injections every month for a year now and haven’t noticed any side effects. The problem is that it’s hard to rule out what side effect is caused by any one drug when you have been heavily treated. Also we all individually react differently to these drugs that we are taking to slow the cancer from spreading and to help prevent other health complications.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.