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Ways to push forward after PD-1 “Plateau”
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Ways to push forward after PD-1 “Plateau”

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Ways to push forward after PD-1 “Plateau”

  • Post
    • February 24, 2017 at 7:46 pm
    Spl25
    Participant

      Its crazy how stage 4 has a way of moving the goalposts as to what's good news and whats not. I'm currently stage 4C, but have had a good rersponse to PD-1. Has anyone had any experience with trying something new after achieving "stable disease"? I've been pretty lucky (and feel healthy still!), but some stubborn mets remain — has anyone tried and been able to get radiation or something along those lines at a similar point in time? I really don't like the idea of just being passive while PD-1 fights ther mel to a stalemate. I'm hoping to have a serious discussion about surgery with my doctor at some point, but don't think that's an option at present. 

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        • February 24, 2017 at 11:31 pm
        stevenallenschwartz
        Participant

          I too am 4C. I am hoping that the Keytruda does it's job. I was told that my tumors are inoperable. Hoping for the best….

          • February 25, 2017 at 2:05 am
          Polymath
          Participant

            Hi there Anon,

            I have been in the same place after progressing on anti PD-1.  Opted for radiation to treat large, troublesome sub-Q's.  Mixed radiation with ipi/nivo combo, and was able to attain a sort of stable situation for one year, with a couple of smaller internal tumors shrinking, but had a very, very large splenic mass that would not respond to anything, and was finally removed via surgery.  So unresectable does not always mean no surgical options, but of course one can live without the spleen, and not all organs, or places in the body would be candidates.  For me, full frontal attack via radiation and surgery have really been the only meaningful solutions.  Now that I have officially progressed on ipi/nivo, my next step, when new tumors crop up will be a trial.  The goalposts keep moving yes, and we are constantly chasing them.  Best in the battle.

              • February 25, 2017 at 6:35 am
              Spl25
              Participant

                Thanks Polymath — I just hate the game of whack-a-mole. Have you looked at the NCI-match trial for novel targeted therapies?

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