Jack&KatiesMommy wrote:Henry:
I have no specific data but antidotally, my oncologist (the one prescribing the Keytruda) stated that if after 2 years on Keytruda I had any potential cancer evident in my body (via CT scan or via CEA) he suggested, based on past experience that we maintain the course and continue treatment indefinitely. He said since he has been prescribing Keytruda (since its original release in 2011) he has had a number of instances where patients that had inactive tumors or CEAs evidencing cancer but who had been stable for months to years, stopped treatment after the 2 year mark only to have their cancer return and they were unable to get it under control again. Again, no scientific evidence of anything but my oncologist with 7 years of experience with immunotherapy's suggestion to me.
Cynthia
Thank you for this insight Cynthia. I am currently trying to get as many different perspectives as possible. It is a good problem to have I guess and I am blessed to be in a position to even consider stopping treatment and just monitoring. So am I right in understanding that your onc is of the opinion that maintenance is the way to go? I wonder at what dose and if it applies to patients who became NED after 2 years as well.