I have completed a first cycle of Keytruda immunotherapy and thought it would be useful to post my experience for others who may follow in my footsteps.
The infusion is mixed freshly each time it is required. You hope it is ready on time. Mine wasn't and to make things worse, the first solution contained bits so had to be dumped (at what cost to the Cancer Drugs Fund?) and a fresh batch made. Ordinarily, one has a 100 ml flush followed by a 200 ml dose in a 200 ml solution, followed by a short second flush, I guess to ensure that none of the stuff is left in the tube. There is a no anti-nausea supplement in the infusion, nor are pills supplied for this. So the timing should be 10 mins plus 30 mins plus three minutes, much shorter than most chemo sessions.
I had a thorough briefing by an Oncology nurse a few days before the first infusion and a benchmark blood test was required. I was given a card to have with me at all times and a very professional booklet about the drug, detailing all the awful potential side effects of the stuff. The blood tests cover hormone levels as well as the usual chemo markers.
The first cycle proved to be an anti-climax. I had absolutely no side effects. I am my usual fit and well self....
I am being treated primarily for bladder cancer (BC) mets in my liver but it is expected to be beneficial for my PCa. Whether it works for the BC, we shall learn following a CT scan after the third infusion. I thought that how it affected my PSA might give a clue to that, however. If there is a link, I don't like it so far! My PSA six weeks ago was 3.5 but it nearly doubled to 6.7 a couple of days ago. My regular consultant was away but the young Registrar who deputised for him, pooh poohed this, relating to the PSA surge that sometimes comes with first infusions of chemo. He also said that the CT scan results would certainly require an expert report as inflammation caused by the treatment must be distinguished from tumour growth. So, I may assume that the PSA could be up from this inflammatory effect.
Anyway, I take the second infusion tomorrow and hope for the same easy passage, but perhaps a better PSA response!
My next update in three weeks, for that is the cycle length.
AC
Edited by member 20 Feb 2019 at 17:43
| Reason: Factual error!