What's it like taking Keytruda and Axitinib for kidney cancer?

Side effects include rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, low tolerance of cold temperatures. Sore feet. Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, excessive phlegm, various rashes. Thyroid issues and prescribed levothyroxine for it.

This treatment combination has shown promising results for many patients with renal cell cancer, and it's great that you're staying informed about potential side effects to watch for. The community here has many members who have navigated similar immunotherapy and targeted therapy combinations, so hopefully you'll connect with others who can share their real-world experiences and practical tips for managing treatment day-to-day.

My oncologist wants me to start Keytruda, too, and I am a little apprehensive about it. I know there isn't anything that is 100% for sure but someone I know started Keytruda and then noticed a cancerous soot on their lung and eventually passed away from it. I'm looking for stories from patients who have tried Keytruda and if they got positive or negative results.

The only negative result from Keytruda is thyroid but my endocrinologist is very pleased with how the levothyroxine is working. I have the Keytruda injections every three weeks, which include bloodwork. So they’re constantly monitoring any changes. Most of the side effects seem to be from the daily axtinib which I went from 10 mg split in 12 hour intervals. I had severe weight loss, (which they feared muscle loss and colitis) from chronic diarrhea. It was lowered to 6 mg daily split 3 and 3 12 hour intervals.

I had my right kidney removed in 2011. Dec 3, 2025 I was checked into the hospital due to shortness of breath and some mental confusion. They found tumors in my lungs and in my brain. After a biopsy my oncologist said these are due to my kidney cancer metastisizing to my lungs and brain. I had a craniotimy on Dec 9 to remove the tumor in my brain. I started Inlyta on Dec 26 taking one pill per day. I did 5 sessions of radiation on my brain which finished on Wed Jan 14. I had my first session of Keytruda yesterday Jan 16. I should be uping my Inlyta to 2 pills after I meet with my oncologist on Monday. I'll try to update with any side effects as they come.

Prayers for you

It's a personal choice. My husband had 3 treatments and had to stop because of the side effects. No appetite, no energy and just feeling sick.

Carole- if you don't mind me asking, how is he doing now?

See my comments

I was diagnosed 14 years ago with RCC. Mine had metastasized to the left side of the brain. My left kidney was removed & had radiation on my brain. I was put on Toricell for about the first 11 years. I am now on Keytruda only & have quality of life. I eat by the Mediterranean Diet, in which Protein is priority. All in all I do fine with Keytruda alone.

I'm on the every 3 weeks Keytruda and just received pills for the thyroid, my symptoms are always cold, tiredness, always feel rundown

Same. I still work a full time job plus the New England cold temps this time of year don’t help.

Hi Bob! I’ve been on Keytruda and Axitinib for about 2 years. I’ve been in treatment for stage 4 RCC for over 6 years now and Keytruda (K) plus Axitinib (A) has been pretty tolerable. Note, I have been on thyroid meds for long time. Went 1 year taking A at 5mg twice a day continuously. Had lots of diarrhea, nausea and fatigue. But I was able to work part time until I retired in mid 2025 (I’m 77). After a short detox, I’ve tried various ways to take A and the most successful has been 3mg twice a day for 10 days with 4 days off then repeat. I feel pretty good at this dose with much less fatigue and fewer gastric problems. Overall K & A has been good for me with stable scans and pretty good quality of life. Feel to reach out with any questions. I’m happy to help.

God bless. Thanks for the info.

I had stage 3 kidney cancer and it spread to my heart so I had open heart surgery after then that was last year in December and I've been on Katrina I mean a therapy since March of last I had problems with my thyroid so I've been taking medicine for it from the fact that Amina therapy mess with my thyroid taking keytruda for kidney cancer

God bless Vickie

Thank you

On Keytruda also plus Levothyroxine since Keytruda effected my thyroid Side effects is tired/weakness along with being cold alot. Getting itchy all over during the night

Alvin - does your doctor know about the itchiness? If not, you should tell him. Lots can be done nowadays to minimize side effects.