| | Joined: May 2016 Posts: 1 Member | OP  Member
Joined: May 2016 Posts: 1 | My dad has Stage 4 oral cancer (uvula, soft palate, tonsils), and it has spread to his right lymph node. He has decided to do radiation and chemotherapy (Eribitux), or radiation and the knew clinical trial immunotherapy drug (KEYTRUDA). Is anyone familiar with the experimental drug? Effectiveness, side effects, treatments, and/or have any experiences using this ? He starts radiation 5/31.
I recently graduated form North Carolin State University with a BS in Biological Sciences Concentrating in Human Biology. Beginning of April I was told my dad has cancer on his Uvula and soft palate. Time proceeded, I graduated May 7th, and have accepted a position with PAREXEL doing clinical research. May 23rd we went in for pre-op and the cancer has spread to his right lymph node. I"m here seeking advice for my dad and as a caregiver.
Thanks!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 1,275 Likes: 7 Assistant Admin Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Assistant Admin Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 1,275 Likes: 7 | My husband was in a phase 1 immunotherapy drug (PDL-1) , then he was in a phase two trial for Selinexor. You can ask his doctor for the improvement rate of the patients in his care who are in this particular trial. I would also be concerned about the possible side effects of the drug. My husband was demitted from the Selinexor trial because he had a very hard time coping. The phase 1 trial, on the other hand, had few side effects because it harnesses the body's own immunity system to fight the tumor cells.
Last edited by gmcraft; 09-01-2016 08:14 AM.
Gloria
She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails... Elizabeth Edwards
Wife to John,dx 10/2012, BOT, HPV+, T3N2MO, RAD 70 gy,Cisplatinx2 , PEG in Dec 6, 2012, dx dvt in both legs after second chemo session, Apr 03/13 NED, July 2013 met to lungs, Phase 1 immunotherapy trial Jan 18/14 to July/14. Taxol/carboplatin July/14. Esophagus re-opened Oct 14. PEG out April 8, 2015. Phase 2 trial of Selinexor April to July 2015. At peace Jan 15, 2016.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 37 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 37 | The FDA recently granted accelerated approval for pembroluzimab (Keytruda) for HNSCC, so head/neck cancer patients can now get it without having to go thru the clinical trial route! This is FANTASTIC news to many people like myself who had no other treatment options available.
I just started on pembro yesterday and the side effects so far have been mild. I was given tylenol and benadryl as pre-meds. I was told one of the side effects could be flu-like symptoms, which I've experienced, and which the tylenol was for. That, and being sleepy from the benadryl, have been my only side effects so far, although it's possible more side effects may kick in in a few days.
According to my oncologists, pembro is extremely effective. It was previously approved for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and several other cancers. You may have heard of what some call a "wonder drug", nivolumab (Opdivo), or seen the commercial for it on TV. It is very similar to pembro. One of my oncologists says they are like Coke and Pepsi. Another oncologist said they are the same thing, although she meant that figuratively and not literally.
My attending oncologist said the side effects in his patients have been well tolerated, better than other drugs, including cetuximab.
Unfortunately, it can only be given in a palliative dose. There is not a stronger dose they can give you for curative intent. Also, they can only give it to you for 12-18 months.
Hope that helps.
Andrew
4x survivor
1998 - SCC of larynx
...laryngectomy, tracheotomy, radiation, caries, HBO, teeth extr, TEP
2002 - lung cancer, wedge resection
2014 - SCC of BOT, pharynx, oropharynx, HPV-, stage IV, T2N0MX, invasive, poorly differentiated
...chemo (carboplatin, taxol), dc'd due to neuropathy
2015 - SCC of palate
...Feb-April IMRT (46 x 70 Gy)
...Jan 2015 - May 2016 cetuximab 500 mg q week x 55wks
2016 - metastases to mediastinum, lungs, spleen, pancreas
...Aug-? pembrolizumab q 3 wks
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