Keytruda (Pembrolizumab): The Leading Immunotherapy for Multiple Cancers
Discover how Keytruda is transforming cancer treatment by harnessing your immune system to fight melanoma, lung cancer, and many other malignancies.
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Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has emerged as one of the most versatile and effective cancer immunotherapies, approved for over 20 different cancer types. This PD-1 inhibitor works by removing the brakes on your immune system, allowing it to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
**Mechanism of Action**
Cancer cells often use proteins like PD-L1 to hide from the immune system. Keytruda blocks the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, preventing cancer from evading detection and enabling T-cells to attack tumors effectively.
**Approved Cancer Types**
- Melanoma (advanced and adjuvant)
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cancers
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- And many more
**Clinical Results**
Studies show Keytruda significantly extends survival in multiple cancer types. In advanced melanoma, 5-year survival rates have improved dramatically. For NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression, Keytruda monotherapy outperforms traditional chemotherapy.
**Treatment Protocol**
Administered intravenously every 3 or 6 weeks, depending on the indication. Treatment duration typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, though some patients continue longer.
**Managing Side Effects**
As an immunotherapy, Keytruda can cause immune-related side effects including fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and inflammation of organs. Most are manageable with proper monitoring and prompt intervention.
**Biomarker Testing**
PD-L1 testing and tumor mutational burden (TMB) assessment help predict response. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing identifies additional candidates for Keytruda treatment.
Our team can help you understand if Keytruda is appropriate for your specific cancer type and provide information about access and pricing.
**Mechanism of Action**
Cancer cells often use proteins like PD-L1 to hide from the immune system. Keytruda blocks the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, preventing cancer from evading detection and enabling T-cells to attack tumors effectively.
**Approved Cancer Types**
- Melanoma (advanced and adjuvant)
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cancers
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- And many more
**Clinical Results**
Studies show Keytruda significantly extends survival in multiple cancer types. In advanced melanoma, 5-year survival rates have improved dramatically. For NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression, Keytruda monotherapy outperforms traditional chemotherapy.
**Treatment Protocol**
Administered intravenously every 3 or 6 weeks, depending on the indication. Treatment duration typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, though some patients continue longer.
**Managing Side Effects**
As an immunotherapy, Keytruda can cause immune-related side effects including fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and inflammation of organs. Most are manageable with proper monitoring and prompt intervention.
**Biomarker Testing**
PD-L1 testing and tumor mutational burden (TMB) assessment help predict response. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing identifies additional candidates for Keytruda treatment.
Our team can help you understand if Keytruda is appropriate for your specific cancer type and provide information about access and pricing.
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