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Does anyone have information on using Avestin with Optivo?
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Does anyone have information on using Avestin with Optivo?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Does anyone have information on using Avestin with Optivo?

  • Post
    • July 30, 2015 at 4:19 am
    marshajay
    Participant

      My father's melanoma has spread to the brain, lungs and abdomen. His brain tumor responded well to radiation. He then had 4 rounds of Yervoy which were not successful. He has completed 4 treatments of Optivo, but the area around the (dead) brain tumor is now experiencing significant swelling.

      The doctors mentioned Avestin but were not sure if there were any statistics about using that to treat Melanoma and in conjunction with Optivo. 

      I'd be interested in hearing about any experiences anyone has with this. 

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 30, 2015 at 12:14 pm
        ed williams
        Participant

          Hi Marshajay, is it possible that the doctor is recommending Avastin a chemo drug not Avestin? I have had stereotatic treatments to the brain 2 years ago and so far so good. Not sure why they would want to use a chemo drug for swelling. My experience has been that the normal treatment would be steroids to reduce the swelling. I am sure others that have had brain swelling will post to you about their experiences. Wishing you the best. ED

            • August 4, 2015 at 1:47 am
            marshajay
            Participant

              Thanks Ed. I am referring to Avastin. We tried steroids and they are causing a great deal of emotional side effects. The doctors are recommending Avastin instead of the steroids – but we don't have any research about using that after or with Optivo. 

              • August 4, 2015 at 1:47 am
              marshajay
              Participant

                Thanks Ed. I am referring to Avastin. We tried steroids and they are causing a great deal of emotional side effects. The doctors are recommending Avastin instead of the steroids – but we don't have any research about using that after or with Optivo. 

                • August 4, 2015 at 1:47 am
                marshajay
                Participant

                  Thanks Ed. I am referring to Avastin. We tried steroids and they are causing a great deal of emotional side effects. The doctors are recommending Avastin instead of the steroids – but we don't have any research about using that after or with Optivo. 

                • July 30, 2015 at 12:14 pm
                ed williams
                Participant

                  Hi Marshajay, is it possible that the doctor is recommending Avastin a chemo drug not Avestin? I have had stereotatic treatments to the brain 2 years ago and so far so good. Not sure why they would want to use a chemo drug for swelling. My experience has been that the normal treatment would be steroids to reduce the swelling. I am sure others that have had brain swelling will post to you about their experiences. Wishing you the best. ED

                  • July 30, 2015 at 12:14 pm
                  ed williams
                  Participant

                    Hi Marshajay, is it possible that the doctor is recommending Avastin a chemo drug not Avestin? I have had stereotatic treatments to the brain 2 years ago and so far so good. Not sure why they would want to use a chemo drug for swelling. My experience has been that the normal treatment would be steroids to reduce the swelling. I am sure others that have had brain swelling will post to you about their experiences. Wishing you the best. ED

                    • July 30, 2015 at 12:20 pm
                    marta010
                    Participant

                      Marshajay – my husband also had brain swelling post gamma knife treatment and subsequent craniotomy.  He was treated with Avastin (3 or 4 infusion) which took care of the edema.  He was taking Zelboraf at the time so have no experience with any interaction the Avastin may have with Opdivo.

                        • August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am
                        marshajay
                        Participant

                          Thank you for responding. It looks like we may give it a try to reduce the edema caused by the immunotherapy treatment. I can't find any research of using Avestin with Optivo, but we may give it a try. 

                          • August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am
                          marshajay
                          Participant

                            Thank you for responding. It looks like we may give it a try to reduce the edema caused by the immunotherapy treatment. I can't find any research of using Avestin with Optivo, but we may give it a try. 

                            • August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am
                            marshajay
                            Participant

                              Thank you for responding. It looks like we may give it a try to reduce the edema caused by the immunotherapy treatment. I can't find any research of using Avestin with Optivo, but we may give it a try. 

                            • July 30, 2015 at 12:20 pm
                            marta010
                            Participant

                              Marshajay – my husband also had brain swelling post gamma knife treatment and subsequent craniotomy.  He was treated with Avastin (3 or 4 infusion) which took care of the edema.  He was taking Zelboraf at the time so have no experience with any interaction the Avastin may have with Opdivo.

                              • July 30, 2015 at 12:20 pm
                              marta010
                              Participant

                                Marshajay – my husband also had brain swelling post gamma knife treatment and subsequent craniotomy.  He was treated with Avastin (3 or 4 infusion) which took care of the edema.  He was taking Zelboraf at the time so have no experience with any interaction the Avastin may have with Opdivo.

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