Is keytruda chemo?

Is Keytruda chemotherapy?

No. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is not chemotherapy. It’s an immunotherapy drug, specifically a checkpoint inhibitor that helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. [1]

What kind of cancer treatment is Keytruda then?

Keytruda blocks the PD-1 pathway (a “brake” on immune cells). By inhibiting PD-1, it can increase the immune response against certain cancers. [1]

Is Keytruda ever used “with chemo”?

Yes. Keytruda is sometimes given along with chemotherapy in treatment regimens, depending on the cancer type and stage. But the drugs are different: Keytruda is immunotherapy, while chemotherapy uses cytotoxic medicines to kill rapidly dividing cells. [1]

Why do people mix up Keytruda and chemotherapy?

People often group cancer treatments by how they’re given or when they’re used (for example, both can be administered by infusion), and some regimens combine both. That can make it sound like Keytruda is chemotherapy even though it isn’t. [1]

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/keytruda/