Is keytruda chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

What kind of treatment is Keytruda—chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is immunotherapy, not chemotherapy. It is a monoclonal antibody that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking the PD-1 pathway.

How does Keytruda work compared with chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy generally uses cytotoxic drugs to directly damage or kill rapidly dividing cells. Keytruda works differently: it modulates immune signaling (PD-1 blockade) so T cells can be more effective against tumors.

What side effects fit immunotherapy vs chemotherapy?

Immunotherapy like Keytruda more often causes immune-related side effects (for example, inflammation of organs such as the lungs, colon, liver, skin, or endocrine glands) because the immune system is more active. Chemotherapy more commonly causes effects tied to direct cell toxicity, such as low blood counts, nausea, hair loss, and mouth sores.

Where to confirm drug classification and related patent info

DrugPatentWatch.com tracks Keytruda’s development and related intellectual property, which can be useful when checking regulatory and market details alongside its classification as an immunotherapy.
Source: DrugPatentWatch.com - Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com - Keytruda (pembrolizumab)