Kadcyla and Keytruda Information and side effects

[waterdreamer]

One of the reasons I love our Her2 support group, is that I learn so much from others past experience, and even going back and reading my own postings on treatment side effects, that I am doing again. I want to share my new adventure with you all, in hopes that it may help someone else looking at this treatment option. I can't seem to find anyone else doing this at the moment.

I will be adding Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) to my treatment schedule, starting this Thursday. I am really excited and nervous at the same time. When you read the list of possible side effects of pembrolizumab, it is a decision not to be taken lightly.
This is a clinical trial being done in Arizona using this combo. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02318901?term=kadcyla+and+keytruda&rank=1

I will update on my progress and side effects as I go along.

Here are some interesting articles, relating to why this combo may be so effective.
http://www.humanpathol.com/article/S0046-8177%2815%2900327-5/pdf

Also for anyone considering a PD-1 blocker, taking bifidus bacteria is a must. Here is a study which explains the finding on this.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4687315/pdf/13073_2015_Article_256.pdf

If you have access to Science, this is the study mentioned http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4687315/pdf/13073_2015_Article_256.pdf

I will update on my experience, side effects and results as I go along.

Healing wishes
Fern

[MaineRottweilers]

Fern,
looking forward to your updates. I really hope this treatment is the one that does magic for you.

[gramen]

Fern, I'm a newbie in this group, but looking forward to your updates. And wishing you a smooth treatment and little if non side effects.

[Carol Ann]

Hi Fern! Thanks so much for taking the time to post about this. Here's hoping it knocks your mets out of the park and you back to NED.

Carol Ann

[thinkpositive]

Fern,
Hope this treatment works for you and that your side effects are minimal! Looking forward to your updates.

Take Care,
Brenda

[waterdreamer]

Here is my update on Kadcyla and Keytruda combined. After 4 cycles, there is progression in my lungs, as well as numerous brain mets, not visualized 3 months prior. So it seems this combo was not a good one for me. Most of the mets are in the cerebellum and the brain stem. So back to the drawing board. I have never had brain mets develop so quickly. The Keytruda also really increased my AST, Alkaline Phosphatase, lowered my albumin levels and reduced my lymphocyte count.

I was hoping this would be a winner, but it wasn't :(

[Carol Ann]

Hi Fern,

Well this SUCKS. I am so sorry. Words aren't enough.

Hoping Kadcyla alone will stop things in their tracks for you.

Carol Ann

[michka]

Hi Fern
I am so sorry this is happening. I was hoping with you that it would be a good combo. Now you have to figure out a new plan with your oncs so I am sending hugs and strength across the ocean.

[jra40]

Oh Fern, I am so sorry to read your update. You are such a remarkable woman and I know this has to be so upsetting for you. Praying for another combo that will be the winner for you! Stay strong!