Does immunotherapy work?

Diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma metastatic. I had a tumour on top of left kidney and in lymph nodes in kneck, by windpipe and stomach. This was in June. Been receiving chemotherapy. Latest scan shows that no difference to these but the cancer has spread to liver. Chemo has now stopped and I am starting immunotherapy. Is it worth it? Will it work? Will it give me much longer to live?

  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    I am sorry to hear that you have renal cell carcinoma that has spread and appreciate that this is a difficult time for you.

    Immunotherapy to treat renal cell carcinoma has been well researched, and is considered useful to use as a treatment, for when the cancer has spread. The aim of treatment will be to stop or slow down the cancer, for as long as is possible. The doctors will monitor how the treatment is working, with blood tests, and scans.

    Unfortunately, as we are not involved directly with your ongoing medical/clinical care, we can't answer your questions in depth. Your hospital team are best placed to talk this over with you, and share their experience of treating similar patients to yourself.

    I hope that you get to find out more soon,

    Kind regards,

    Vanda

  • Ok lea

    Nobody can tell how an individual will respond to immunotherapy. However from my experience I'd say at least try it for a few cycles. For the incurable cancer I have metastatic cSCC it has given me extended life, better quality life, shrunk some tumours to undetectable size and has arrested progression of cancer in my spine shoulder and lung. The side effects a very itchy rash and fatigue are manageable. A lot easier than chemo. You have nothing to lose and every chance of some benefit. You will be closely monitored and have a 24hr number to call. If it does not agree with you, your treatment can be stopped. I'm on cycle 14 so far. 

    Ed