Stopping Zel for Yervoy?
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Stopping Zel for Yervoy?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stopping Zel for Yervoy?

  • Post
    • August 8, 2012 at 3:09 am
    awillett1991
    Participant
    I’m a little over 3 mos on Zel, it’s working, and finally I am feeling like I’m past the worst of the side effects. I was diag in Jan with a cardiac tumor, and June scans show it is shrinking. Hopefully nothing else will crop up – next scans in 3 wks.

    Today I asked my doc about stopping Zel and switching to Yervoy. My thinking is that my tumor burden is low, and maybe Yervoy will work better now rather than later. I would have Zel in my back pocket if needed, assuming it doesnt fail me before then. I am not a good trial or IL2 candidate bc of my cardiac involvement, so my future options are pretty limited. My Mel has been a slow growing kind so far.

    I’d appreciate any ideas or thoughts you might have – my doc is mulling it over. Just trying to make the most of my options. Where is a crystal ball when you really need one?

    Thanks!

Viewing 5 reply threads
  • Replies
      • August 8, 2012 at 4:14 am
      Gene_S
      Participant

      Something for you to think about… Do some homework about the long time survivor results between the two and you will see that Yervoy is the winner.  Best wishes, Gene

        • August 8, 2012 at 1:22 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
        Yes I know that there are more long term responders to Yervoy, however except for spme rare exceptions the BRAF inhibitors fail after an average of 7 mos, that is why I don’t want to miss any chance I have to still permanently kick this evil disease.
        • August 8, 2012 at 1:22 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
        Yes I know that there are more long term responders to Yervoy, however except for spme rare exceptions the BRAF inhibitors fail after an average of 7 mos, that is why I don’t want to miss any chance I have to still permanently kick this evil disease.
        • August 8, 2012 at 1:22 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
        Yes I know that there are more long term responders to Yervoy, however except for spme rare exceptions the BRAF inhibitors fail after an average of 7 mos, that is why I don’t want to miss any chance I have to still permanently kick this evil disease.
      • August 8, 2012 at 4:14 am
      Gene_S
      Participant

      Something for you to think about… Do some homework about the long time survivor results between the two and you will see that Yervoy is the winner.  Best wishes, Gene

      • August 8, 2012 at 4:14 am
      Gene_S
      Participant

      Something for you to think about… Do some homework about the long time survivor results between the two and you will see that Yervoy is the winner.  Best wishes, Gene

      • August 8, 2012 at 5:41 pm
      Erinmay22
      Participant

      Just thought I'd let you know my plans.  I started Zelboraf end of May.  My tumor burden is pretty low (small spot in my small intestine and a few swollen lymph nodes around).  My scans after 8 weeks showed shrinkage.  I just saw my oncologist yesterday for a check up and our plan is to scan me again first week of Sept.  If we still see shrinkage and good results we want to switch over to Yervoy.  And hopefully get the 4 doses in.  There is always an option to go back to Z.  My doctor did mention this when I was in last time and when we decided to orignally start on Z.  

       

      Thoughts and prayers to you!

      Erin

      • August 8, 2012 at 5:41 pm
      Erinmay22
      Participant

      Just thought I'd let you know my plans.  I started Zelboraf end of May.  My tumor burden is pretty low (small spot in my small intestine and a few swollen lymph nodes around).  My scans after 8 weeks showed shrinkage.  I just saw my oncologist yesterday for a check up and our plan is to scan me again first week of Sept.  If we still see shrinkage and good results we want to switch over to Yervoy.  And hopefully get the 4 doses in.  There is always an option to go back to Z.  My doctor did mention this when I was in last time and when we decided to orignally start on Z.  

       

      Thoughts and prayers to you!

      Erin

        • August 8, 2012 at 9:35 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
        Do you know if he has tried this before and with what results? Mine has not, is warming up to the idea I hope. He’s concerned about me and the IPI rash. I had grade 4 rash on Zel in the first wk on full dose, had to be hospitalized overnight for IV steroids, and am stuck with very minor rash but doesn’t itch on 75% dose. I’m on 5 mg prednisone – onc & derm are afraid rash will worsen otherwise. Also he mentioned I would have to have a short break from Zel before IPI, not sure how long that would be, not sure he knows, but we would try for all 4 doses as well. I had to start w Zel because of the location of my tumor, it was starting to block blood flow through my heart.

        Thanks so much Erin!
        Amy

        • August 8, 2012 at 9:35 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
        Do you know if he has tried this before and with what results? Mine has not, is warming up to the idea I hope. He’s concerned about me and the IPI rash. I had grade 4 rash on Zel in the first wk on full dose, had to be hospitalized overnight for IV steroids, and am stuck with very minor rash but doesn’t itch on 75% dose. I’m on 5 mg prednisone – onc & derm are afraid rash will worsen otherwise. Also he mentioned I would have to have a short break from Zel before IPI, not sure how long that would be, not sure he knows, but we would try for all 4 doses as well. I had to start w Zel because of the location of my tumor, it was starting to block blood flow through my heart.

        Thanks so much Erin!
        Amy

        • August 8, 2012 at 9:35 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
        Do you know if he has tried this before and with what results? Mine has not, is warming up to the idea I hope. He’s concerned about me and the IPI rash. I had grade 4 rash on Zel in the first wk on full dose, had to be hospitalized overnight for IV steroids, and am stuck with very minor rash but doesn’t itch on 75% dose. I’m on 5 mg prednisone – onc & derm are afraid rash will worsen otherwise. Also he mentioned I would have to have a short break from Zel before IPI, not sure how long that would be, not sure he knows, but we would try for all 4 doses as well. I had to start w Zel because of the location of my tumor, it was starting to block blood flow through my heart.

        Thanks so much Erin!
        Amy

      • August 8, 2012 at 5:41 pm
      Erinmay22
      Participant

      Just thought I'd let you know my plans.  I started Zelboraf end of May.  My tumor burden is pretty low (small spot in my small intestine and a few swollen lymph nodes around).  My scans after 8 weeks showed shrinkage.  I just saw my oncologist yesterday for a check up and our plan is to scan me again first week of Sept.  If we still see shrinkage and good results we want to switch over to Yervoy.  And hopefully get the 4 doses in.  There is always an option to go back to Z.  My doctor did mention this when I was in last time and when we decided to orignally start on Z.  

       

      Thoughts and prayers to you!

      Erin

Viewing 5 reply threads
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