Mixed response

[Crafty57]

Hi everybody. So I’ve been having immunotherapy every 3 weeks. I’ve had 2 up to now, due my 3rd on Friday. I had a CT scan on Tuesday, the results come back as mixed response. I’m to continue with immunotherapy. Does anyone know what this means. TIA Paula

[Kayben21]

Hello Paula. Whilst I cant offer any pearls of wisdom or help on this, it's positive to hear you will be continuing with immunotherapy. My partner has his second cycle of immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) next week. He's having it every 6 weeks, and his first scan is in October after his third cycle. We may well be asking similar questions! My partner so far hasnt experienced any side effects, is eating well and feeling well, but appreciate we have no idea what is happening beneath, and are very conscious side effects could raise themselves at any moment. If you dont mind me asking, how have you been coping with your treatment.

[Crafty57 in reply to Kayben21]

Hi Kayben, sorry to hear about your partner. I too am having Pembrolizumab, I have it every 3 weeks, up to now The only side effect I have is I’m tired for a couple of days after it, and I’m more sensitive to the sun. I too am eating and feeling well. Hope you get good results in October xx

[Kayben21 in reply to Crafty57]

Thank you Paula. I hope you continue to feel well and the treatment works positively for you.

[JanetteR57]

Good you've been having immunotherapy - mixed response could be that some parts have responded and others not - or not had the desired effect. Many patients have been given immunotherapy due to pandemic who would not usually be eligible for this treatment and you may be one of those - or if you had sufficient PDL1 to be eligible, your body/immune system may not be responding as well as others. Not everyone responds to this treatment - if you've ever had allergies and taken one type of antihistamine and not worked but another did, it's the response of your immune system to the meds or allergens - so similar with cancer. Medics cannot predict who it will work for or not.... by continuing with it, it sounds as if they'll monitor your results and then discuss them with you. Try not to worry - if it wasn't having any response, they would be recommending stopping it.... do you have a lung nurse you could contact for more information? always better to ask your own medical team as they will have your precise records.. good luck.

[Crafty57 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you Janette

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Crafty57

It is understandable that you would be questioning what this means,JanetteR57 has explained this well and it is encouraging that you are feeling well. A mixed response could mean a number of things, that part of the tumour has stayed the same, not reduced as they had expected or only partly reduced in size. Perhaps call your lung cancer nurse specialist and ask for further clarification. But it is also good that they are continuing the treatment, giving it a bit more time and hope it will show a good response at your next scan.

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Debs0768]

Hi

I think I have a similar story. My scan after 3rd infusion of Pembrolizumab was unclear in that they think the increase in size of tumour is due to inflammation which is apparently common in the early stages of treatment.

I’m continuing until next scan at end of September

[Crafty57]

Thanks for the reply Debs. I have just had more treatment on Friday. Just waiting for an appt with my oncologist. Hope everything goes well for you x