Moving from ipi-nivo clinical trial
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Moving from ipi-nivo clinical trial

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Moving from ipi-nivo clinical trial

  • Post
    • October 16, 2015 at 12:18 pm
    davidstewart
    Participant

      I was able to sign on the the extended access clinical trial for ipi-nivo for melanoma right before the FDA approved it. I'd like to get treatment closer to home but am wondering about Medicare approval of nivo. Each of these drugs has been independently approved by the FDA (and Medicare), can I assume that Medicare will cover the combo now that they have been FDA approved?

       

      David

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 17, 2015 at 5:46 am
        Patina
        Participant

          I don't know, but you might be able to do what a friend of my Mom's did in a situation like this.  He was in a trial in San Francisco a few years ago and had to travel 5 hours for each infusion and his doctors appointment, which was pretty often. After a while he was able to have the infusions at a local center, affiliated with the SF hospital, and just travel to SF after 2 or 3 infusions for doctors appointments. That way he stayed in the trial and still got his treatment. 

          You might ask about this. 

            • October 18, 2015 at 7:47 am
            davidstewart
            Participant

              Thanks Patina.  This trial is now closed with FDA approval of the regime. I can get treatments at Duke (closer to home) but not sure that the nivo will be covered by Medicare. A number of folks are weighing in with staying in the study although it would involve more travel and costs. Not sure how to proceed.

              • October 18, 2015 at 7:47 am
              davidstewart
              Participant

                Thanks Patina.  This trial is now closed with FDA approval of the regime. I can get treatments at Duke (closer to home) but not sure that the nivo will be covered by Medicare. A number of folks are weighing in with staying in the study although it would involve more travel and costs. Not sure how to proceed.

                • October 19, 2015 at 7:02 pm
                AnitaLoree
                Participant

                  David: We're with Kaiser and & ipi/nivo is covered by Medicare.  My husband is switching to Yervoy/Opdivo in 2 wks from 1 yr on Keytruda because suspicion that tail end of residual mel on his spinal cord possibly shows new growth. Good luck getting your treatment closer to home. A.L.

                  • October 19, 2015 at 7:02 pm
                  AnitaLoree
                  Participant

                    David: We're with Kaiser and & ipi/nivo is covered by Medicare.  My husband is switching to Yervoy/Opdivo in 2 wks from 1 yr on Keytruda because suspicion that tail end of residual mel on his spinal cord possibly shows new growth. Good luck getting your treatment closer to home. A.L.

                    • October 19, 2015 at 7:02 pm
                    AnitaLoree
                    Participant

                      David: We're with Kaiser and & ipi/nivo is covered by Medicare.  My husband is switching to Yervoy/Opdivo in 2 wks from 1 yr on Keytruda because suspicion that tail end of residual mel on his spinal cord possibly shows new growth. Good luck getting your treatment closer to home. A.L.

                      • October 18, 2015 at 7:47 am
                      davidstewart
                      Participant

                        Thanks Patina.  This trial is now closed with FDA approval of the regime. I can get treatments at Duke (closer to home) but not sure that the nivo will be covered by Medicare. A number of folks are weighing in with staying in the study although it would involve more travel and costs. Not sure how to proceed.

                      • October 17, 2015 at 5:46 am
                      Patina
                      Participant

                        I don't know, but you might be able to do what a friend of my Mom's did in a situation like this.  He was in a trial in San Francisco a few years ago and had to travel 5 hours for each infusion and his doctors appointment, which was pretty often. After a while he was able to have the infusions at a local center, affiliated with the SF hospital, and just travel to SF after 2 or 3 infusions for doctors appointments. That way he stayed in the trial and still got his treatment. 

                        You might ask about this. 

                        • October 17, 2015 at 5:46 am
                        Patina
                        Participant

                          I don't know, but you might be able to do what a friend of my Mom's did in a situation like this.  He was in a trial in San Francisco a few years ago and had to travel 5 hours for each infusion and his doctors appointment, which was pretty often. After a while he was able to have the infusions at a local center, affiliated with the SF hospital, and just travel to SF after 2 or 3 infusions for doctors appointments. That way he stayed in the trial and still got his treatment. 

                          You might ask about this. 

                      Viewing 2 reply threads
                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      About the MRF Patient Forum

                      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.