Keytruda

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Pembrolizumab 5DK3

Pembrolizumab (brand name Keytruda), is a therapeutic drug that's prominently used to manage a spectrum of cancers.

Indications

Pembrolizumab is indicated for the treatment of various cancers:

• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Cervical cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Gastroesophageal junction cancer
• Urothelial cancer
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
• non-small cell lung cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• melanoma

Solid Tumors

Apart from the above, Pembrolizumab has also found utility in the management of certain solid tumors having specific mutations in the genes associated with DNA repair, notably colorectal cancer.

Other Cancers

Research is ongoing to assess Pembrolizumab's efficacy in other cancers.

Mechanism of Action

Keytruda is an antibody that inhibits the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) which plays a significant role in downregulating the immune system by suppressing T-cell inflammatory activity. When pembrolizumab binds to PD-1, it augments the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

Classification

Pembrolizumab is classified as a monoclonal antibody and falls under the category of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

FDA Approval

The FDA approved Keytruda in 2014 for use in the United States.

Dosing

The standard dosage regimen varies based on the type of cancer being treated. Typical doses include:

• Melanoma, Non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell cancer, Classic Hodgkins lymphoma, Urothelial carcinoma, Microsatellite Instability-High Cancer (MSI-H Cancer) in adults: 200 mg every 3 weeks.
• Pediatric dosing for Classic Hodgkins lymphoma and MSI-H Cancer: 2 mg/kg (maximum 200 mg) every 3 weeks.

Route of Administration

Keytruda is given as an intravenous infusion which typically lasts about 30 minutes.

Dosage Forms

Available dosage forms include:

• Injection: 50 mg lyophilized powder (single-dose vial for reconstitution)
• Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) solution (single-dose vial)

Contra-indications

No known contraindications as of the last update.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients should be monitored for various conditions during treatment, including but not limited to immune-mediated pneumonitis, Colitis, Hepatitis, Nephritis, and Endocrinopathies.

Side Effects

Potential side effects encompass fatigue, pruritus, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, and nausea.

Clinical Trials and Data

Several clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of Pembrolizumab in treating various cancers.

Cost and patient saving options

• According to the manufacturer, a single 200-mg intravenous dose of Keytruda costs $9,724.08 without insurance, and the infusions are given every 3 weeks. See GoodRx prices
• The manufacturer offers financial saving options available to patients that need additional help.

Latest articles - Keytruda

• Most recent articles
• Ongoing trials

Manufacturer

Keytruda is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc

Other names

Also called pembrolizumab.

Resources

• Up To Date

• Medline Plus Keytruda

References

Keytruda Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia