Keytruda, also known by its generic name Pembrolizumab, is a type of medication known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It is commonly used to treat several types of cancer. According to the drug's manufacturer, Merck & Co., Keytruda is indicated for the treatment of:
1. Melanoma: Keytruda is approved for the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in patients with advanced stages of the disease [1].
2. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Keytruda is used for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC, a type of lung cancer, in patients whose tumors express PD-L1, a specific biomarker [1].
3. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Keytruda is approved for the treatment of SCLC, a type of lung cancer, in patients with advanced stages of the disease [1].
4. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): Keytruda is used for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, a type of head and neck cancer, in patients whose tumors express PD-L1 [1].
5. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL): Keytruda is approved for the treatment of cHL, a type of blood cancer, in patients who have relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and post-transplantation therapy [1].
6. Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL): Keytruda is approved for the treatment of PMBCL, a type of blood cancer, in patients who have relapsed or progressed after two or more prior lines of therapy [1].
7. Urothelial carcinoma: Keytruda is approved for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer, in patients with advanced stages of the disease [1].
8. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cancer: Keytruda is approved for the treatment of MSI-H cancer, a type of cancer that has a specific genetic feature, in patients with advanced stages of the disease [1].
9. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC): Keytruda is approved for the treatment of MCC, a type of skin cancer, in patients with advanced stages of the disease [1].
It is important to note that the use of Keytruda for the treatment of these types of cancer is dependent on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the stage and location of the cancer, and the patient's previous treatment history. Therefore, it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if Keytruda is an appropriate treatment option for them.
Sources:
* [1] Merck & Co., Inc. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Prescribing Information. <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf>