Clinical trials?

[Flay75]

At the oncology appointment yesterday my husband was given what I believe is an amazing opportunity, he has the option of starting standard care ( immunotherapy pembrolizumab ) or participating in clinical trials where they will be also adding a second drug for a two pronged approach. Whilst I know he is terrified and confused he also has a decision to make. All advice is greatly appreciated

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Flay75,

It is good news that he has been accepted for a clinical trial, starting any type of treatment will be a frightening experience but as you say it is such a good opportunity to gain access to new treatments. There are previous posts where others have shared their experiences of a clinical trial. Below I have added a link to a page from CRUK which explains different types of trials

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

If you have any questions please feel free to call, our ask the nurse free phone helpline number is 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600 or email us at [e-mail]

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[sassassas]

Hi Flay75

I'm not a doctor, so have no medical expertise for my opinion, but if I was in his shoes, I'd seriously consider the clinical trial.

Immunotherapies can work really well in NSCLC (my husband was diagnosed 3 years ago with stage 4 NSCLC, had 3 months of chemo + immuno, then just immuno - and is now "NED" - no evidence of disease - and living his normal life). The experts don't necessarily know why it works so well in some people and not so well in others, other than the PDL1 status being a good (but not perfect) indicator. You may know that the higher this is, the more likely the cancer will respond to the immunotherapy.

The researchers are doing a lot of work to try and improve response rates to immuno, and one approach is adding in a 2nd drug that works in a different way. Its one of the reasons my husband's oncologist recommended the chemo + immuno approach rather than just immuno.

On the down side, it is very likely that the 2nd drug will have its own set of side effects, so that is something to consider, especially if your husband might not be able to tolerate them. Your oncologist already considers him physically able to join the trial which is good news.

I'd find out as much as I can about the drug and the trial itself. If he's invited to join at the phase 3 trial stage, there will be results already for phases 1 and 2 which you'll be able to read up on.

Aside from this clinical trial option, its good news that he's a candidate for immunotherapy.

Those are my thoughts, for what they are worth, and hope it's helpful. Best wishes in your journey.

Sarah x