Has anyone had success with Keytruda and then stopped treatment?

[Jim47]

I was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. During the first year, I had a nephrectomy, cystectomy and prostatectomy along with other treatments. After all that, the cancer had metastasized to my lung. I began chemotherapy and after a year, the tumors had diminished, but my remaining kidney was starting to have problems. They then switched me to Keytruda, which I have been on for almost 2 years. I have been in remission for 15 months now. The Dr. doesn't want to stop treatment, because they don't know what will happen if the cancer returns. Anyone with experience in this situation?

[Jimpa]

I also was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March 16. After having 6 chemo sessions which didn’t seem to be doing much good, they removed my bladder and prostate in August 16. After finding a cancerous lymph node, we began immunotherapy treatments in June 17 with Keytruda every 3 weeks for the next 25 months. I had my 35th Treatment (and last) in July 19. I have been in remission for 18 months. My oncology stopped at 35 sessions because he said that was what the current protocol called for. I will have cat scans every 4 months for the foreseeable future.

[Jim47 in reply to Jimpa]

Are you in the US? My doctor seems to think I might be treated with Keytruda for life. Our cases seem quite parallel. I'll be interested to hear how you do, going forward. Wishing you all the best--and thanks for replying.

[Jim47 in reply to Jim47]

Oh, I get a treatment every 3 weeks and get scans every 6 months now.

[Jimpa in reply to Jim47]

I am in the US; Las Vegas. My oncologist said we stop at 35 sessions so there we are! I will keep in touch. Wishing you all the best.

[Jim47 in reply to Jimpa]

Thanks. Yes, we will keep in touch.

[Jimpa in reply to Jim47]

Just had my 2nd CAT scan since stopping Keytruda treatments in July 19. Happily there was no detectable cancer. I have been cancer free for almost 2 years now. My next CAT scan will be in early June. Hope you are doing fine.

Jimpa

[Jim47 in reply to Jimpa]

Thanks for the update. I’m also apparently cancer free. My Dr. is calling it remission, but I’m still getting an infusion every 3 weeks. Best wishes to you.

[Jimpa in reply to Jim47]

My CAT scan last week again showed no sign of cancer. I have now been in remission for two and a half years. Will continue to have CAT scans every four months. Hope you are doing well

[Jim47 in reply to Jimpa]

Due to several factors, I had my last Keytruda infusion in early March. I had a CT about 2 weeks ago, and it also still showed no sign of cancer. I will now be in remission for two years next month. I will be getting follow-up CTs every 3-4 months. Looks like we have both done really well with Keytruda. He's wishing we both continue to be cancer free.