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.
It is used together with a chemotherapy drug. It’s 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
- 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).
Let your treatment team know if you notice these or any other side effects – some side effects can be life-threatening if they are left untreated. Most side effects can be managed if they are reported early. Sometimes, immunotherapy may need to be stopped or interrupted.
Side effects from immunotherapy can last for up to 12 months after the last dose was given. You should avoid falling pregnant during this time.
Occasionally, immunotherapy can cause adrenal failure and diabetes. It can also lead to thyroid conditions and low steroid levels. These complications need lifelong management.
Learn more about immunotherapy.
It’s important to play an active role in your treatment because it’s your life and your body.
Vivien
→ 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 (Open Settings 
to turn on auto-generated subtitles in your language).
Podcast: Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
More resources
A/Prof Cindy Mak, Breast Surgeon and Director of Breast Services, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Nick Murray, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital and GenesisCare Adelaide, SA; Caroline Bennett, Consumer; Tamara Casey, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; A/Prof Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Lauren Lores, Consumer; Dr Linda Madigan, Breast Physician, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Catherine Meredith, Consumer; Ash Mondolo, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Private Hospital, QLD; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Catrina Ross, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW; Prof Christobel Saunders AO, James Stewart Chair of Surgery and Director of Research, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yvonne Zissiadis, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director, GenesisCare WA and Adjunct A/Prof, Curtin University, WA.
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