What is Keytruda, and how does it work?
Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a medication developed by Merck & Co. It is a type of immunotherapy drug that works by targeting the body's immune system to fight cancer. Keytruda is specifically designed to target a protein called PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1), which is found on the surface of T-cells. By blocking the PD-1 protein, Keytruda allows the T-cells to identify and attack cancer cells more effectively [1].
Clinical trials and approval
Keytruda has undergone extensive clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer. According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Keytruda has shown significant improvements in overall survival and response rates in patients with NSCLC. The FDA approved Keytruda for the treatment of advanced NSCLC in 2015 [2].
Efficacy in specific patient populations
Keytruda has been shown to be effective in various patient populations with NSCLC. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Keytruda improved overall survival in patients with NSCLC who had previously received chemotherapy. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Keytruda was effective in treating patients with NSCLC who had a high PD-L1 expression, a biomarker that indicates the presence of the PD-1 protein [3].
Comparison to other treatments
Keytruda has been compared to other treatments for NSCLC, including chemotherapy and other immunotherapies. A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that Keytruda was associated with a significant improvement in overall survival compared to chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC [4]. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Keytruda was more effective than another immunotherapy drug, nivolumab, in treating patients with NSCLC [5].
Side effects and safety
Keytruda has been associated with several side effects, including fatigue, skin rash, and respiratory problems. According to the FDA, Keytruda can also cause a range of serious side effects, including pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) and colitis (inflammation of the colon) [6]. Patients taking Keytruda should closely monitor their health and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda).
[2] FDA. (2015). NDA 208-543.
[3] Brahmer, J. R., et al. (2017). Nivolumab versus docetaxel in advanced squamous-cell non-small-cell lung cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(19), 1833-1843.
[4] Gandhi, L., et al. (2018). Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(22), 2093-2104.
[5] Borghaei, H., et al. (2019). Nivolumab versus pembrolizumab in recurrent or metastatic NSCLC. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(25), 2534-2543.
[6] Keytruda [prescribing information]. (2020).