Hi, I have NSC Adenocarcinoma lung cancer, stage 4, diagnosed in Jan 2016. My first treatment was Tarceva, a targeted oral chemotherapy. That was working well until recently and now have switched to Pem/Keytruda, a targeted Immunotherapy .
Wondering if others out there have experienced Pembrolizumab?
Hi, Lubelle.
Did you have another biopsy and testing for the T790M mutation that often arises during treatment with Tarceva? If not, I would ask your doctor to pursue this. There are blood tests for T790M now that have a good rate of accuracy. If you do have the mutation , Tagrisso would become another treatment available to you.
I have no experience with Keytruda. I suggest that you and your doctor keep a close watch on you. Some EGFR patients respond well to immunotherapy but in general response rates seem to be lower than for other lung cancer types. Here's hoping you are one of the fortunate folks who have a good response!
Anita
Hi and thank you for your note. Yes, we did another biopsy & results were not a match for T790M, but were a match for PDL1, and thus the Keytruda/Pembrolizumab immunotherapy. I've been on it 2 weeks so far, and really sick for one week ... just trying to guesstimate what to expect going forward. Thanks again for writing.
Hi Lubelle,
I'm on Opdivo (Nivolumab) which is another Immunotherpay med, much like Keytruda. One of the main differences is that you do not need to be PDL1 Positive to use Nivo, but it is currently used only as a second line treatment for NSCLC, after there has been progression of some type on Platinum Based Chemo. Keytruda was also very recently approved as a First Line treatment and I believe is the ONLY Immunotherpay drug that is now FDA approved as a first line treatment.
I am do not have the EGFR mutation, I am KRAS+ and there are no targeted Chemos for KRAS. Keytruda and Opdivo both also work much in the same way, regardless of your mutations which is why they put me on it, plus I did not have to wait and be tested for PDL1 before starting it and they wanted me on it ASAP. I have been on it for close to a year and it has worked very well for me. My tumor is now only 18mm and has been stable for many months. I have had issues with side effects and am currently on my third treatment break because of the (low grade Pneumonitis, which is a very common in both drugs). I do believe it saved my life after my tumor grew very suddenly and aggressively last November (while on Carbo and Pemetrexed). I immediately had Radiation (10 days) and then started on Opdivo and have been on it since. (Diagnosed on 3/27/15 - Stage IV with a brain met). I know had I stayed on the Chemo, I likely would not be here at this time, so despite the side effects, I'm happy with how Opdivo (Immunotherapy) works for me and HOPE to be back on treatment soon.
I did very well for the first 6 months...my only side effects then were intense fatigue and nausea, which was controlled with Zofran. I found Chemo overall, to be easier than Opdivo, but then again, Opdivo works better and there are not really any other good options, so I'm hoping for the best. Typcially most people actually feel much better on Immunotherpay vs. Chemo, but it does take time for the "chemo" to wash out of your system. I would think being sick so fast, is still more likely from the your former Chemo?
Best of luck to you,
Lisa
Yes I have had 3 infusions of Keytruda, stage 4 nsclc with mets to brain. Going for 1st chest ct since starting to check effectiveness. How are you doing on it?
Just got the results from 1st ct after Keytruda. Tumors doubled in size, no more Keytruda for me. Started new chemo. Fingers crossed.
BrigidK, darn it! I am just so sorry. Please let us know how the new chemo goes...wishing you strength and comfort...let's see what tomorrow brings. Will be thinking about you.
I just had my second Keytruda treatment- this is my first treatment for stage 3 NSCLC. So far, I'm tired and sometimes nauseous and not feeling so great. Hope you feel better- good luck
Keytruda Joint Pain 
Immunotherapy and chemotherapy
