4 cycles of chemotherapy and immunology for Stage 3 non small cell lung cancer

[Westie88]

Hi. After having one cycle of chemotherapy and immunology I am enquiring whether after I complete the 4 cycles how long this treatment alone would prolong life? Upon research I'm getting 6-12 months only.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Westie88

Your oncologist is the best person to discuss this with you and not all the information on the internet is up to date or accurate. We would advise you to keep to approved websites such as

roycastle.org

cancerresearchuk.org

macmillan.org.uk

If you are looking at research papers, these should be recent and peer reviewed by oncology experts, which are usually published in the medical journals; there can be many factors that may determine any extension of life and Immunotherapy has been a great treatment for many.

Everyone responds and reacts differently to treatment and there are many people who are stage 4 who have responded well to Immunotherapy and have also completed their 2 year treatment plan. I hope you hear from others in the forum who have had a good extension of life with this treatment.

It can feel quite isolating having cancer and we offer a range of support services, including an online support group through zoom, you can information on these and how to register through this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

Your check scan will show if you have had a good response to the treatment. You are welcome to contact us if you would like to discuss anything, you can email 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

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Brianderrick12 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Hi Westie88 - I know everyone is different- my brother is stage4 inoperable - he’s completed 18mths of immunotherapy & is now on a course of targeted chemotherapy- 6 sessions - his oncologist is fabulous & swaps things around so he’s as comfortable as possible- he has a very niggly cough but other than that he’s quite well - great appetite etc - we’re in year 3 of treatment & grateful that we’re keeping steady - not sure if this helps - take care xxx

[Westie88 in reply to Brianderrick12]

Thank you both for your response, but physically and mentally I don't think I could get past the next 3 cycles of chemotherapy and immunology, which is why I was asking if that would be enough to at least buy me some time. I know that I cannot do immunology and radiotherapy for the next 2 years after that. Physically and mentally I am just not strong enough. I found the first cycle of chemotherapy and immunology too hard. But thank you and I'm happy to hear your brother is doing well xx

[VikingRoots in reply to Westie88]

Hi, I don't know which chemo/ immuno combination you're on, but my experience has been that - while chemo was without question hard - immuno side effects have been minimal for me and immuno alone was a very different experience to chemo. I've just finished 3 years.

[Westie88 in reply to VikingRoots]

Hi, thanks that great news. I'm not sure what combination I'm on can't keep the words in my head. I have copd too and I've been in hospital with an infection. Whilst there the ct scan showed tumour growth and its now leaning on my windpipe. I'm to see my oncologist Wednesday in the hope of restarting chemo and immunology to shrink it. Just hope I'm well enough. Then if I can get through that it's immunology and radiotherapy for up to 2 years. I'm feeling more determined to fight this now, no matter how sick I feel. And I'm hoping that immunology won't be as bad, like you say. Thank you xx

[VikingRoots in reply to Westie88]

You sound tough - keep it going, the immuno is way easier. And radio and immuno can work incredibly well together.

[VikingRoots]

H Westie88,

I was diagnosed with stage 4 NSLC just over 3 years ago and I'm doing great after chemo and immuno. The landscape for advanced disease recovery has changed significantly in the last few years. That 6-12 months life expectancy is outdated.

More recent stats: for people who have positive PD1 expression have the full treatment (2 years), 80% of them are alive after 5 years. This was the keynote study for Pembro (stage 4 lung cancer).

This is not to say it's guaranteed recovery or an easy journey. But having been diagnosed with lung tumours and extensive secondaries in bones I'm now clear on scans, and have been for some time. I'm working and engaging fully in life (with the occasional emotional meltdown of course).

My heart goes out to you...all I can really say is: in a dreadful situation, there is hope, and the hope is - nowadays - not without foundation.