Experience with targeted therapy and virotherapy?

[VivaciousMo]

Hi all,

Hope today is treating you well, wherever you are! I was wondering if anyone has any first hand experience with taking oral targeted therapy? My oncologist prescribed Braftovi and Mektovi which are pills that are supposed to target only melanoma cells. Has anyone else had an experience with these? Side effects? Did it decrease the size of any tumors/lumps you had?

Additionally, I recently learned about virotherapy which is used to treat cancers like melanoma that don't typically respond to chemo/radiation. Has anyone gone this route? If so, what can you share?

Thanks so much for your thoughts and time!

Moriah

[Joyhitch]

I am currently on Mektovi and have been on and off for 3 1/2 months. I started off on the combination of Braftovi/Mektovi, but I was unable to tolerate the side effects. For me it started and rash/hives, fever, then nausea/vomiting. It was determined that the Braftovi was most likely causing the problem. I was taken off the meds and given prednisone to calm the reaction. I tried twice more with decreased doses and reactions became more severe. I was hospitalized the 2nd trial for IV steroids, Epi injection, and IV benedryl, as well as monitoring and fluids. I had a history with reactions to the previous BRAF/MEK inhibitors earlier this year. My reactions were severe and I believe uncommon. I’m currently tolerating the Mektovi with mild side effects- fatigue, dry skin, occasional nausea. My tumors showed significant shrinking of tumors in my brain, lungs, and liver. I’m hoping it is due to this medication. I had 3 treatments of Opdivo/Yervoy early in the summer. My cancer progressed during that time, so my treatment was changed.

I have also read about viral injections that are being studied. I am very interested in how well that works. It sounds very promising.

I hope this helps. I hope you find a treatment that works for you.

Joy

[VivaciousMo in reply to Joyhitch]

Hi Joy, thanks for your response. I'm sorry you had severe side effects, but very pleased to hear you saw significant tumor shrinkage!! Amazing. I wish you continued progress with that. If I learn anything new about the viral therapy, I will share it with you.

All the best to you as you continue shrinking those tumors!

Moriah

[VivaciousMo]

Just an update for anyone wondering: I've been on Braftovi/mektovi for 2.5 months now and no side effects thank goodness. I had labs and scans done yesterday and everything looks good and the doctors are very pleased with how well it's working. Feel free to reach out and ask my questions if you are considering similar treatment!