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Immunotherapy type side effects

Lol147
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Hi, I have metastatic melanoma lung cancer (bit of a mouthful). I have a nodule in one lung but nowhere else.

I'm waiting on a date to begin immunotherapy treatment. As such, I've been given leaflets on the side effects I may encounter.

My question is this: Without having yet had immunotherapy, can my body's natural immune system cause similar side effects to immunotherapy whilst it's fighting the cancer? Perhaps on a much lower scale?

I ask because I have been experiencing pain and aches from my lower abdomen and changes to my bowel opening regularity over the last couple of weeks. It comes and goes but just wondering if this is known of?

Thanks in advance,

Laurie

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and appreciate this must be a difficult time for you.

    Do mention the tummy pains and change in bowels to your doctor so they can investigate this further. As I am sure you are aware symptoms can be caused by many different things and may be completely unrelated to your cancer.

    We have information about the immune system and cancer on the website so do take a look at this. Some cancers can trigger an inflammatory response that in turn can cause symptoms. As you say the immune system is also designed to spot and attack abnormal cells that again can cause symptoms to occur.

    However in your case it is difficult to know what may be causing these new symptoms which is why if they are persisting you ought to mention it to your doctor.

    I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best with your upcoming treatment. Do get back if you need to or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

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