Stage 4 melanoma

My ex partner was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma yesterday. It has spread to his pectoral tissue, his lymph nodes and lungs. He has been told he can have immunotherapy and been offered to be included in a clinical trial. My question is, if he goes on the trial, he has 20 visits at a hospital 30 miles away, if not on the trial, it’s just 4 visits at a more local hospital. I think the trial is a good thing, but it seems like he personally isn’t going to benefit from it. Anyone one else in a similar situation please?

  • Hi,

    Without knowing what the consultants have said as to whether the immunotherapy is sufficient for his treatment and the trial is suggested as a second treatment in case the immunotherapy doesn't work, it's difficult to answer. I personally haven't had immunotherapy & I wasn't eligible for a trial (long story) but I do know others who have been in the same position as your ex partner. I would prefer to chat with you by private message about their experience, so I have sent you a friend request. If you accept it we can chat by private message. I think that one thing to bear in mind for the moment is that, should immuno fail & there is no other treatment option other than that particular trial, - if he's already declined that trial it may affect him joining it in the future - again, it will depend on the trial's conditions of entry.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)