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[edit | edit source]

Pembrolizumab is indicated for the treatment of various cancers:

Solid Tumors[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

FDA Approval[edit | edit source]

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

Dosing[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Dosage Forms[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

No known contraindications as of the last update.

Warnings and Precautions[edit | edit source]

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

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

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

Clinical Trials and Data[edit | edit source]

Several clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of Pembrolizumab in treating various cancers^[1].

Cost and patient saving options[edit | edit source]

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

Manufacturer[edit | edit source]

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

Other names[edit | edit source]

Also called pembrolizumab.

Resources[edit | edit source]

Up To Date

Medline Plus Keytruda

References[edit | edit source]

↑ Links to study data.

Keytruda Resources
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