Immunotherapy

[ferntreegully]

Having had a lobectomy a few years ago on right lung, I now have 2 opacities on lower left lung. As there had only been one lesion seen on lower left lung I was offered radiotherapy. After last scan which showed another lesion adjacent to the first, I am told that 'radiotherapy is off the table'. At present awaiting conclusions of MDT. However it was an immunologist who saw me last and said the immunotherapy was the last chance here. Because I have never had a successful biopsy for previous tumours/lesions, and they do not think they can get one because of close proximity to blood vessel on this one...there is no tissue to test. However they are going back to the two hospitals, one who did lobectomy and one who did a wedge resection to get the tissue which is kept there. I have been told that all my tumours are primaries and not related. What is the chance of the materials from previous resected material, being of any help for targeted immunotherapy I wonder?

Because I am in my seventies with other health issues, I also wonder about not having any treatment as I have read about the side effects of treatment.

I need to know what is involved in immunotherapy and ask the people here to let me know, their experiences, good or bad of immunotherapy please.

Thank you

[Begonia13]

I had Nivolumab for one year, immunotherapy for melanoma. I didn't really have hardly any side effects for months but got terrible itchy skin. I took prednisolone for 6months to settle it.Good luck

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Ferntreegully

Sorry to hear of your worry with your lung opacities. Hopefully they will be able to determine if you have any cell mutations/proteins present from your previous wedge resection that will make you eligible for Immunotherapy.

This link will take you to our information booklet on Immunotherapy: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

Everyone responds differently to treatment including any side effects and hope you hear encouraging accounts from others in the forum.

It may be you could start treatment that is offered and if you find it does not suit your quality of life then you could have further discussions with the oncologist. Some people do well on Immunotherapy and it can be well tolerated.

You are welcome to contact us if you would like to discuss anything , either by email to ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team