Cancer Research UK main site

Pembrolizumab

HarlyD
Offline

Hi, I have had sentinel lymph node biopsy that has come back positive and now have to decide if I want to have Pembrolizumab treatment, I have looked at all the possible side affects and really don't know which way to jump, is there anyone out there that has been in this position and can advise, if anyone has had this treatment and how it affected them. I only have a short time to decide so any advice would be welcomed. 

Thank you

  • Offline

    Hi HarlyD

    There are lots of  threads here about what many refer to as pembro. Here is a link to one of them, there are many more.

     RE: Immunotherapy treatment 

    Id say to you to start the treatment, give it a chance, this group of drugs are very effective at getting your own immune system to destroy cancer cells and mostly have bearable side effects, you will be closely monitored for any side effects which can be treated and at worst you will stop having the treatment.

    I'm currently receiving a course of immunotherapy called cemiplimab. Despite the long list of side effects, I "only" get fatigue and a skin rash which is treatable with a cream. But the huge upside is that it has already shrunk otherwise untreatable tumours down from size of marbles to pin heads.

    Best wishes for whatever choice you make.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thank you for your response and I am pleased to hear that you are having a positive response to the drugs, hope all goes well for you too.

    Best wishes 

    HarlyD

  • Offline in reply to HarlyD

    My partner has some side effects but after his two years of treatment afforded by the NHS he's still here and he wouldn't have been without it. He's now got a 5 year outlook where as he was lucky to maybe have two. My partner has melanoma. What are they hoping to treat for you?

  • Offline in reply to Lyns21

    Hi Lyns21, mines is also melanoma, I had it removed from my back and had the lymph node biopsy 

    the biopsy under my arm came back positive, my last scans came back clear but I now have to decide whether to have the pembrolizumab treatment or not, I was just worried about the side effects and seek any advice from people that have had it or having it. 
    I hope your partner is doing well 

    take care of each other

    best wishes 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.