Hello Nigel

You have a genuine concern about the possibility of the immunotherapy affecting your remaining healthy kidney.

There are about 50 different immunotherapy medicines in use. Each with different possible side effects, it is best to talk to your oncologist for more specific guidance on the particular medicine(s) you will be being prescribed.

For the most part they are well tolerated and effective. My personal experience from 18 months on Cemiplimab for advanced metastatic skin cancer has been good. It has shrunk some tumours and stopped others from advancing or spreading further. Side effects are an itchy rash and fatigue which can be managed well. Whilst immunotherapy is not going to "cure" cancer it can improve your quality of life give you extra time in good health. My advice to you would be to at least try immunotherapy and if you find you don’t get on with it you can stop treatment. During the treatment you are constantly monitored with extensive blood tests for liver, kidney, bone, blood, hormone levels etc plus CT and MRI scans and a 24 hour contact number to call if you have any problems. Hope this is of some help to make your decision, 

Ed