Nivolumab – Drive through Cancer Treatment

 I have been participating in a clinical trial for Nivolumab (Opdivo) since October here in my hometown at a local community hospital.   I initially became aware of the trial when a slow progression was noticed in August of 2014, after an SVT episode.  

I had been monitored before by my oncologist at the IU Simon Cancer Care Center in Indianapolis.   My diagnosis on November 12, 2012 led me to four rounds of carbo/taxol/ avastin and then remission.  During this remission I was on maintenance Avastin for approximately 8 months and then taken off of all cancer drugs until the progression was noticed. 

I was given three options when the progression was found.

1)      Do the same chemo as before

2)      Do a different chemo

3)      Try the clinical trial with Nivolumab

Most of the clinical trials for Nivolumab are set up on an every two weeks infusion protocol.   

Driving from my hometown to Indy in the winter did not seem doable and luckily, (and unusually) a clinical trial using Nivolumab was being performed in my hometown.  As soon as I got home from Indianapolis and my consult with my oncologist, I set about trying to find out how to get involved.  

I was accepted into the trial and began the first infusion in October of 2014.   I have had two CT scans since and both show stable –no progression.   At first my side effects were coughing, a rash, runny nose, and some breathlessness.   Now, in later March, after approximately 9 treatments, the rash has alleviated, do not have much of a cough, but am breathless.   The neuropathy I developed due to chemo has alleviated and energy level is good. 

When I began the trial the infusion was set up for one hour-now they have set it up for one half hour- so it is not such a big jab in the day.  However, I did have a reaction in the beginning of the treatments and so now have to have two Tylenol and Benadryl before I am given the Nivolumab.   The reaction was weird.  It just felt like a bad pain in my back, no swelling or anything like that.  

I have also developed wheezing.   I did not wheeze before I began this treatment, although I was short of breath.  My doctor has prescribed an inhaler and that works well. 

Since my treatment is so close to home, my son drops me off, and when I am close to being done my daughter comes and picks me up. 

Drive-through Cancer Treatment at its finest.