My husband was diagnosed at Stage 3C in September 2013. He had melanoma under his thumbnail which he dd not investigate for at least 1 year. After a partial amputation and lymphendectomy, he was NED and entered the clinical trial of yervoy vs interferon trial.. He was in the 10 mg arm ( there was also a 3 mg arm). We were very nervous about the high dose and the side effects. With diet modification and occassional use of OTC medication, he weathered GI effects without needing steroids. To our dismay in March, his CAT scan after the induction phase of 4 infusions showed a small metastasis in his liver. He was removed from the trial. We were absolutely devastated thinking the ipi did not work. In May2014, he had microwave ablation of the single metastasis. We were pleased to find out that at the time of surgery, the metastasis was slightly smaller than the CAT scan indicated 6 weeks before.He became NED.
Monday his CAT scan was clear. Thinking how it was last March, I am so grateful and appreciative of this forum that kep me informed and positive. We are sure that the Yervoy worked and he just had what is termed as a "unconventional" response.
I know that people are scared of Yervoy, but it can work. It seems unfair that you have to "fail" Yervoy before you get the anti-PD1s. However, Yervoy might work for you. Even if you "fail" it, maybe getting the anti- PD1 afterwards might be more effective after having the Yervoy. Just speculating, but the medications work in different ways so who really knows?
Just for interest, he had his last dose of ipi in March 2014. He still has a sensitive GI tract, but only to whole wheat and milk. He can drink lactaid. He makes a smoothie of bananas, applesauce, and Greek yogurt with active cultures daily. He believes that repopulating his GI tract with beneficial bacteria helped keep the diarrhea under control. We think he has a permanent change to his immune system which is the goal of therapy. Hope we are right.
Best of luck to you all.
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