Does Immunotherapy cause Vasculitis?

[luggsey]

Hi, my Mum had vasculitis in 2013 following a bad infection, she continues to take 5mg prednisone to this day.Sadly she has been diagnosed with a stage 2 tumor of the cecum which because of her age and frailty at 81 years old is suggested to be inoperable.

Genetic testing reveals its a type of cancer that may be treated with immunotherapy.

We have an oncology appointment tomorrow to explore treatment options.

My concern is obviously does immunotherapy have an effect on vasculitis?

Thanks.

Paul.

[PMRpro]

Sorry to hear of your mother's diagnosis. You will be suffering the "cottonwool brain" effect I'm sure and have so many questions whirling around.

It is probably impossible to make such a generalisation, Immunotherapy can be used in some forms of vasculitis to manage it but other forms may cause inflammation. It will depend on what sort of immunotherapy - whether it is specific or a general one. It is the sort of question to direct at the oncologist when you see them tomorrow.

[Mooka]

You need advice from your mums vasculitis doctor on this too or an immunologist. I have immunoglobulin replacement therapy as my levels are low caused by rituximab. I’ve been told it’s sometimes used as a treatment for vasculitis. It’s very expensive so not used as a standard treatment. Good luck I hope this works out well for your mum. As PMRpro has pointed out it will depend on a lot of other factors.

[luggsey]

Well in a nutshell the oncologist said its a bad idea.She is very concerned it will cause Mum to have vasculitis again.

She also said the side effects are bad and Mum would have to stop the steroids.

She also said if it were her she would not risk the treatment.