Nivolumab and ipilmumab

Was just wondering if anyone can share their experience and what to expect, my husband is starting treament for clear cell kidney cancer now progressed into lungs and bowel.Just wondering what to expect, would love to hear of some of your experiences with these two immunotherapies, thank you

  • Hello Lou636397 and welcome to the forum. 

    I can see that we've had a number of members mention in the past about taking these 2 types of treatment although I'm not sure that any of them are currently active on the forum. 

    You might be able to connect with others by using the search function (magnifying glass in the blue bar at the top of the page) to look for posts with either nivolumab or ipilmumab mentioned. If you wanted to them add a comment on a particular thread then you may find that you are able to chat with people who have direct experience of these drugs. 

    We do have some information on our website about using nivolumab and ipilmumab together which you may find of interest and if you'd like to talk anything through with one of our nurses then you're most welcome to call them. They will be back in the office again on Tuesday on 0808 800 4040 (normal hours Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm). 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi my husband was on them and I filled in the treatment diary, do not be afraid to contact your chemotherapy team if you think you husband isnt his usual self,and always contact them if he has a high temp, because one time my hubby was ok but had very jerky movements so I phoned the team they organised a blood test at the hospital within an hour result very high potassium levels got treated and was fine,he had 4 double doses then a ct scan in December it didnt seemed to have worked and the cancer had grown in the lungs, he also had a clot in his lung, so no treatment for 5 weeks and another ct scan that showed that the tumours had shrunk in the lungs, the first good news we have had since May 2019.

    He is now on pazopanib 200 tablets 4 a day and is doing really well even cutting the lawn (on the sit on mower) try not to worry and never be afraid to call the chemo team, I had to about 4 weeks ago, hubby couldnt sit up in bed without falling to the side,couldnt stand ect, but he was telling me not to phone anyone(he was frightened he would catch corona virus) but I knew I had to! he was taken in to hospital isolated stayed 1 night thyroid test was rock bottom been given 150mcg tablets and now is fine.

    This journey is a roller coaster even when the news isnt great these immunotherapies keep working for up to a year! Take one day at a time, take care