Treatment Adverse Effects and Quality of Life Impacts of Novel Drug for HNSCC

MICVO's adverse effect profile proved manageable for Andrew Dunning, with fatigue being the primary treatment-related effect, though significantly reduced compared with his previous immunotherapy experience. The most persistent adverse effect was peripheral neuropathy affecting his left lower leg, manifesting as occasional tingling and numbness, particularly during prolonged static positions. This neuropathy, a known complication of chemotherapy agents including antibody-drug conjugates, was effectively managed through practical interventions such as compression socks, allowing continued physical activity.

Dunning's treatment journey included an unexpected medical incident several months after achieving a complete response, resulting in temporary mobility loss and requiring extensive rehabilitation. While the exact cause remained undetermined despite a comprehensive medical evaluation, he successfully regained full function and returned to his pretreatment activity levels. This experience highlighted the complexity of treating patients with multiple medical conditions and the importance of comprehensive supportive care throughout the cancer journey.

Quality of life considerations for MICVO included practical treatment logistics, with Dunning choosing peripheral IV access over port placement to avoid permanent medical devices. Treatment required regular oncology center visits every 3 weeks for several hours of infusion time, representing the primary lifestyle disruption. The mild adverse effect profile, consisting mainly of managed neuropathy and adjusted sleep schedules, demonstrated how targeted therapies can maintain patient function while delivering therapeutic benefit. Dunning's ability to continue cycling, running, and social activities throughout treatment illustrates the potential for novel cancer therapies to preserve quality of life while achieving clinical outcomes.