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T-VEC melanoma injection treatment

Lillylilly
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Would an 80 year old with a  performance level of 3/4

Melanoma stage IIIC in- transit localised in the arm no lymph nodes or liver involvement be eligible for T-VEC injection treatment .?

If the patient's local hospital does not administer T-VEC treatment could they be referred to the nearest hospital who administer it?

how is the patient assessed for treatment?

Regards 

L

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    Hi,

    I'm not a nurse but I've been a melanoma patient for many years. The nurses won't be back until Monday so I just wanted to give you some information that may be helpful whilst you wait for their reply.

    I strongly suggest that you take a look at the Melanoma Focus website which has information regarding T-Vec. They also have a dedicated Nurses helpline where your questions will be answered. It's not open on Saturdays but it is manned on Sunday evening. Take a look here https://melanomafocus.org/melanoma-helpline/

    This also gives you a little information regarding the treatment https://melanomafocus.org/melanoma-patient-treatment-guide/melanoma-treatment/other-treatment-options/t-vec/

    I can't answer regarding the patient eligibility guidelines but I do know that only certain hospitals provide this treatment so a certain amount of travelling would be necessary.

    Good luck and I hope you receive the information you need,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thankyou for taking the time to respond much appreciated x

    D️id you receive T-VEC treatment?

  • Offline in reply to Lillylilly

    No I didn't. I was diagnosed Stage 3 several years before any type of drug therapy or other treatment was available. Surgery was the only option so I had a full clearance of nodes (24) in my groin & pelvis (melanoma was found in 1 groin node & 1 pelvic node). 

  • Hi Lillylilly and thankyou for your post.

    I am sorry to learn of your melanoma diagnosis. I appreciate that you want to explore all possible options.

    I'm afraid as nurses, we cannot provide a medical opinion or say how anyone should be treated as we are not involved in your clinical care. Only a specialist can do this.

    Whether someone is suitable for a particular type of treatment depends on many factors not just performance score.

    If your hospital specialist has not mentioned T-VEC I recommend discussing it with them. 

    If they believe that T-VEC is the best treatment option for you, but it is not available at their hospital, they can refer you to a hospital that can provide this treatment.

    If you are unhappy with the treatment offered you have the option to seek a second opinion, or you can discuss your concerns with the

    Patient Advice Liaison Service  (PALS).

    I hope this information helps.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards

    Tina

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