How fast does Keytruda start working?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › How fast does Keytruda start working?

  • Post
    • August 5, 2015 at 3:51 pm
    mrsaxde
    Participant

      Last winter I did the course of Yervoy (ipilimumab) and got what my oncologist classified as "mixed results." It seemed to stop the growth of a small spot on my lung, which was still unchanged as of my last scan in May. It also seemed to stop, or slow the growth of several skin lesions near the original tumor site. But new, small skin lesions continued to appear, and my doctor decided it was time to try Keytruda.

      I had one dose of Keytruda so far, two weeks ago. Every day when I shower, I reach around and inspect the lesions on my back. This morning I notices that one lesion, about the size and shape of a pencil eraser, felt much less raised. In fact, I had a hard time finding it at all at first.

      I'm trying not to get too optimistic, so as to avoid a possible letdown later. But does Keytruda work that fast that I could be getting results from it after just one treatment? I also think the Yervoy is still working. I have a slight rash on my sternum, and on my back, that comes and goes. Maybe the combination of the two?

      Has anyone experienced rapid results from Keytruda?

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • August 5, 2015 at 4:32 pm
        jamieth29
        Participant
          No experience with it but it definitely sounds positive. Its got to feel good that it looks to be working. Here’s to continued success

          Jamie

          • August 5, 2015 at 4:32 pm
          jamieth29
          Participant
            No experience with it but it definitely sounds positive. Its got to feel good that it looks to be working. Here’s to continued success

            Jamie

            • August 5, 2015 at 4:32 pm
            jamieth29
            Participant
              No experience with it but it definitely sounds positive. Its got to feel good that it looks to be working. Here’s to continued success

              Jamie

              • August 5, 2015 at 6:21 pm
              Eileensulliv
              Participant

                I am on the ipi/nivo (opdivo) combo trial, and after one dose of the two, my tumors started shrinking. That was in February and March. Having another scan tomorrow! Praying you see some good results!

                  • August 5, 2015 at 7:09 pm
                  dfeng
                  Participant

                    Were you scaned just after one dose?

                    • August 6, 2015 at 1:07 am
                    Eileensulliv
                    Participant

                      Yes, because I had a reaction giving me high fevers and vomiting. I was in the hospital for a week, and they scanned me at that time.

                      • August 6, 2015 at 1:07 am
                      Eileensulliv
                      Participant

                        Yes, because I had a reaction giving me high fevers and vomiting. I was in the hospital for a week, and they scanned me at that time.

                        • August 6, 2015 at 1:07 am
                        Eileensulliv
                        Participant

                          Yes, because I had a reaction giving me high fevers and vomiting. I was in the hospital for a week, and they scanned me at that time.

                          • August 5, 2015 at 7:09 pm
                          dfeng
                          Participant

                            Were you scaned just after one dose?

                            • August 5, 2015 at 7:09 pm
                            dfeng
                            Participant

                              Were you scaned just after one dose?

                            • August 5, 2015 at 6:21 pm
                            Eileensulliv
                            Participant

                              I am on the ipi/nivo (opdivo) combo trial, and after one dose of the two, my tumors started shrinking. That was in February and March. Having another scan tomorrow! Praying you see some good results!

                              • August 5, 2015 at 6:21 pm
                              Eileensulliv
                              Participant

                                I am on the ipi/nivo (opdivo) combo trial, and after one dose of the two, my tumors started shrinking. That was in February and March. Having another scan tomorrow! Praying you see some good results!

                                • August 5, 2015 at 6:55 pm
                                ecc26
                                Participant

                                  After failing Ipi and the BRAF/MEK combo I began Keytruda in June of last year. I had a LOT of subcutaneous masses to help me keep track of progress. After the first dose some of them swelled and became very inflamed, but then began to shrink. Others just shrank. So short answer: yes, it can begin to work after just one dose. 

                                  Of course this is not a guarantee for everyone who takes the drug and in your case it is quite possible that the Ipi is still having effects or that the proximity of the two therapies is boosting the efficacy. Whatever the reason, shrinking is great! Enjoy it, even if you aren't sure which drug is causing it- who cares so long as it's happening and things are getting better instead of worse, right?

                                  -Eva

                                    • August 7, 2015 at 1:19 pm
                                    Momofjake
                                    Participant

                                      My 18yr old son started keytruda 6 weeks ago, so he just had his 3rd dose. Within 2 weeks he saw changes to visible tumors. Some smaller some larger. Now he sees only shrinking. He truly looks way better and feels great! Set back yesterday with a high dose of radiation on his lower spine for a very vertebra that is completely tumor. He is in pain from today. He did radiation, keytruda and zomata in one day!

                                      hope you keep seeing great results!

                                      • August 7, 2015 at 1:19 pm
                                      Momofjake
                                      Participant

                                        My 18yr old son started keytruda 6 weeks ago, so he just had his 3rd dose. Within 2 weeks he saw changes to visible tumors. Some smaller some larger. Now he sees only shrinking. He truly looks way better and feels great! Set back yesterday with a high dose of radiation on his lower spine for a very vertebra that is completely tumor. He is in pain from today. He did radiation, keytruda and zomata in one day!

                                        hope you keep seeing great results!

                                        • August 7, 2015 at 1:19 pm
                                        Momofjake
                                        Participant

                                          My 18yr old son started keytruda 6 weeks ago, so he just had his 3rd dose. Within 2 weeks he saw changes to visible tumors. Some smaller some larger. Now he sees only shrinking. He truly looks way better and feels great! Set back yesterday with a high dose of radiation on his lower spine for a very vertebra that is completely tumor. He is in pain from today. He did radiation, keytruda and zomata in one day!

                                          hope you keep seeing great results!

                                        • August 5, 2015 at 6:55 pm
                                        ecc26
                                        Participant

                                          After failing Ipi and the BRAF/MEK combo I began Keytruda in June of last year. I had a LOT of subcutaneous masses to help me keep track of progress. After the first dose some of them swelled and became very inflamed, but then began to shrink. Others just shrank. So short answer: yes, it can begin to work after just one dose. 

                                          Of course this is not a guarantee for everyone who takes the drug and in your case it is quite possible that the Ipi is still having effects or that the proximity of the two therapies is boosting the efficacy. Whatever the reason, shrinking is great! Enjoy it, even if you aren't sure which drug is causing it- who cares so long as it's happening and things are getting better instead of worse, right?

                                          -Eva

                                          • August 5, 2015 at 6:55 pm
                                          ecc26
                                          Participant

                                            After failing Ipi and the BRAF/MEK combo I began Keytruda in June of last year. I had a LOT of subcutaneous masses to help me keep track of progress. After the first dose some of them swelled and became very inflamed, but then began to shrink. Others just shrank. So short answer: yes, it can begin to work after just one dose. 

                                            Of course this is not a guarantee for everyone who takes the drug and in your case it is quite possible that the Ipi is still having effects or that the proximity of the two therapies is boosting the efficacy. Whatever the reason, shrinking is great! Enjoy it, even if you aren't sure which drug is causing it- who cares so long as it's happening and things are getting better instead of worse, right?

                                            -Eva

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