Niek, 31, Pauses Promising Lung Cancer Treatment Due to Severe Side Effects
Niek, a 31-year-old man, has made the arduous decision to temporarily halt immunotherapy treatment for lung cancer, as featured on the RTL 4 program Antoni van Leeuwenhoek: About living With Cancer. Four years ago, what began as vague symptoms was diagnosed as lung cancer that had already metastasized. “I googled the symptoms and found lung cancer,” Niek recounts. “I thought: thatS not possible, I’m only 27.” He and his girlfriend, Hilde, were deeply shocked by the diagnosis. “We cried non-stop. I really thought I was dying.”
Niek’s case is notable as he is among the ten percent of lung cancer patients who have never smoked, according to his pulmonologist, Joop de Langen. “Many people promptly think: it’s yoru own fault, because you must have smoked,” Dr.de Langen explains.
Initial treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation to the lung, lymph nodes, and both adrenal glands, followed by immunotherapy, proved effective for two and a half years, with Niek experiencing near-complete recovery. However,in November,the cancer returned aggressively,with a large tumor discovered in the pancreas and new metastases appearing in multiple locations.
A second course of immunotherapy initially showed positive results, but came with debilitating side effects. The treatment attacked healthy cells alongside cancer cells,causing severe joint pain. “I could no longer lift the blanket at night,” Niek described. “Everything hurt. I couldn’t sleep,couldn’t move.” He relied on painkillers for relief.
Niek and Hilde discussed the escalating pain with dr. de Langen, ultimately leading to the decision to pause the immunotherapy. “We actually had no choice but to stop,” Dr. de Langen stated, acknowledging the difficult emotional toll of halting a treatment perceived as a ”lifeline” against the disease.
While disappointed to discontinue the immunotherapy, Niek understands the necessity. dr.de langen emphasized the decision isn’t permanent, stating, ”We’re pushing it forward. If necessary, we can always start over.” he further explained the complexities of predicting long-term outcomes, saying, “We are very satisfied if a treatment works for two years. But when you are that young, two years is nothing. And five and ten years are actually not the same. The only thing that matters is healing.”
Currently, Niek’s cancer remains under control, and his joint pain has subsided, allowing him to gradually return to his normal life.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek: About Living With Cancer airs every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on RTL 4.
