Keytruda & frequent infections

[Barbara36]

Stage 3 lung cancer. Currently in remission. On a maintenance routine of keytruda every 3 weeks. Of recent I have had multiple severe UTIs and 2 months of pnemonia. Pulminologist informed me that many keytruda patients have experienced repeated serious infections. Anyone else having an issue?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Very sorry this is happening to you. I'm never t on Keytruda so have no personal experience to share. I've referenced the product website and it does say that UTIs are a known side effect.

Pneumonia is not listed but pneumonitis is. That doesn't mean the website hasn't been updated to include pneumonia and all physicians are required to report things of this nature. Basically, the difference is that pneumonia has a bacterial or viral cause, pneumonitis does not. The treatment is the same.

There are several keytruda support groups on Facebook, perhaps someone there has had the same experience.

[Muttin]

Hi Barbara! I just had my 4th round of Keytruda and so far no infections. I go the 22 for my pet scan. How many treatments have you had?

[Barbara36 in reply to Muttin]

Best to you. I've been on keytruda for on and off (mostly on) somewhere around 1.5 years. My oncology team assures me the infections are not related. But still I wonder.

[Muttin in reply to Barbara36]

I hope it's not related to the Keytruda seems it's been working for you. Wishing you the best and that they find out the cause.🙂

[Barbara36 in reply to Muttin]

Thank you Muttin. I am continuing now. Took an 8 week break until I recovered.

[Muttin in reply to Barbara36]

Good news! I pray it continues to work for you without any infections. 😊

[Muttin in reply to Muttin]

Good morning! Day after my 5th infusion along with Altima. I saw my doctor and got results from my pet scan. Lymph nodes and tumor have reduced so lm feeling good about that. I'm hoping this continues.. I was on carboplatinum with first 4. Hopefully I can regain some energy. God is good and I pray you are having a great day!