Merkel cell cancer and treatment with Avelumab

Hi,

My grandad has MCC which has spread through the lymph system and has been given a short time to live, there is a potential treatment (not a cure but potential to extend end of life) using immunotherapy called Avelumab. As the cancer is rare I haven't been able to find the treatment mentioned on the forum but if anyone has had experience being on it or family having it I would really be keen to hear from them in terms of how tough was the treatment to tolerate and if it is slowing or did slow the spread of the cancer and to what degree.

we have a decision to make whether to try it but weighing up the risk and benefits is difficult as it's a relatively new treatment for a rare condition

thanks

 

  • Hello Harris_123, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your grandad's diagnosis and I can imagine this is such a difficult treatment decision to make. We have some information on our website on avelumab which you can find on this page and which will give you an indication as to what to expect and side effects he may encounter. 

    This is indeed a very rare cancer and I hope that you will hear from others on this forum who have had the very same treatment for this specific type of cancer and that they will be happy to share their story and experiences with you. 

    If you wanted to talk to our cancer nurses about this, you are more than welcome to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator