Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. A drug called pembrolizumab may be used for people with certain types of triple negative breast cancer.
Pembrolizumab is used together with a chemotherapy drug. Pembrolizumab is given through a vein (intravenously), and treatments usually take about 30 minutes.
Side effects of immunotherapy
These may be caused by the immunotherapy, the chemotherapy or both.
Common side effects include:
- a rash
- fatigue
- diarrhoea (which can be severe)
- breathlessness
- joint pains
- diabetes
- nerve problems
- muscle weakness
- dry eyes.
It can cause inflammation in other organs, including the thyroid, pituitary gland, liver, kidneys and pancreas. It can also affect the adrenal gland, which can lead to low levels of certain hormones (e.g. cortisol). If you notice these or any other side effects, it’s important to let your treatment team know – some side effects can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Most side effects, however, can be managed if they are reported early. Sometimes, immunotherapy may need to be stopped or interrupted. Side effects from immunotherapy can occur for up to 12 months after the last dose was given. Pregnancy should be avoided during this time.
Learn more about immunotherapy.
→ READ MORE: Treatment for advanced breast cancer
Video: What are immunotherapy and targeted therapy?
Watch this short video to learn more about targeted and immunotherapy
Podcast: Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
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Dr Diana Adams, Medical Oncologist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW; Prof Bruce Mann, Specialist Breast Surgeon and Director, Breast Cancer Services, The Royal Melbourne and The Royal Women’s Hospitals, VIC; Dr Shagun Aggarwal, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Prince of Wales, Sydney Children’s and Royal Hospital for Women, NSW; Andrea Concannon, consumer; Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner Breast Oncology, Macquarie University Hospital, NSW; Monica Graham, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Natasha Keir, Nurse Practitioner Breast Oncology, GenesisCare, QLD; Dr Bronwyn Kennedy, Breast Physician, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, NSW; Lisa Montgomery, consumer; A/Prof Sanjay Warrier, Specialist Breast Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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