See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda
Cancer Treatment: The Effectiveness of Keytruda
Keytruda, a medication developed by Merck & Co., has been gaining attention in the medical community for its potential in treating various types of cancer. But how effective is it in reality?
Mechanism of Action
Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor. It works by blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are often exploited by cancer cells to evade the immune system. By inhibiting this interaction, Keytruda allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Keytruda in treating various types of cancer. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Keytruda demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival rates compared to chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study found that patients treated with Keytruda had a median overall survival rate of 30.2 months, compared to 14.9 months for those treated with chemotherapy.
Approval and Availability
Keytruda has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several types of cancer, including NSCLC, melanoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. It is available in various formulations, including intravenous infusions and oral tablets.
Cost and Pricing
As with any new medication, the cost of Keytruda can be a concern for patients and healthcare providers. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month. However, the actual cost to patients may vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage, location, and treatment duration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Keytruda has shown promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating significant improvements in overall survival rates and response rates in patients with various types of cancer. While the cost of the medication may be a concern, its effectiveness in treating cancer makes it a valuable addition to the arsenal of cancer treatments.
Highlight
"The response rate was 45% in the pembrolizumab group, compared with 27% in the docetaxel group." -
Source: New England Journal of Medicine, "Pembrolizumab versus Docetaxel for Previously Treated, PD-L1-Positive, Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Open-Label, Phase III Clinical Trial" (2016)
Sources:
1. New England Journal of Medicine, "Pembrolizumab versus Docetaxel for Previously Treated, PD-L1-Positive, Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Open-Label, Phase III Clinical Trial" (2016)
2. Merck & Co., "Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Prescribing Information"
3. DrugPatentWatch.com, "Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration"