I again missed the conf. call with my mom and dad for her next steps. They've stopped the taxol because she was having some bad side effects though she did finish a full cycle. My dad recalls that he was told a brand new drug for immunotherapy was just approved by the FDA 'last week' and that they plan to give this a shot. My internet research shows that the drug for immunotherapy in lung cancer was Opdivo in March. Is this the same thing? Has anyone here had it or known someone who did and how were the results?
when I spoke to her nurse to get the follow up info from her last appointment since the scan findings were so vague they said she'd consider 2 other drugs for chemo in this appointment she just had. So something changed in the last few days.
Lastly - though I'm certain that her Dr. has her full chart I wonder about her Lupus. It's basically be in remission since she started chemo but I'm worried that something that kicks her immune system into high alert for cancer cells may just kick off her Lupus too. Is that a non issue?
I appreciate any info you can provide about this new protocol.
fingers crossed!
Reply # - July 24, 2015, 12:04 PM
Hi Carrie,
Hi Carrie,
I hope your mom feels alright. I'm sorry about the progression though it sounds as though there might not have been much since your used the word vague.
I'm sorry but I have to say that we can't answer the questions you have about why the onc change plans or how lupus may play a role in her treatment. Your mom could talk to her doctor that handles her lupus he/she would be the best person to have an idea how different cancer treatments may affect lupus.
My first thought about lupus and immunotherapy drugs is what interaction might be expected. Lupus is a disease that causes the immune system to go into overdrive. Opdivo (nivo) causes the immune system to ramp up its ability to attack nsclc. There may be a reaction that causes the lupus to flare. Again a conversation possibly between the 2 doctors (her lupus doc and her onc) may be in order however it may just be obvious to both or one of them that it's dangerous to try.
There isn't data to show what does happen, the drugs are very new and tested on people without comorbidities with the immune system. Maybe the oncologist wants to be careful not to cause more harm than good. I'd surely ask.
These are only my thoughts about what might be the thinking but only your mom's oncologist can tell you what he/she was thinking.
Let us know what you find out.
Janine