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Pembrolizumab (K)
Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks PD-1 on T cells, preventing tumor cells from evading immune attack.
Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks PD-1 on T cells, preventing tumor cells from evading immune attack. Used for Metastatic melanoma, Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | Pembrolizumab (K) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MK-3475, KEYTRUDA® |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | PD-1 inhibitor |
| Target | PD-1 |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Pembrolizumab binds to programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) on the surface of T lymphocytes, blocking interaction with its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) expressed on tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells. This blockade restores T-cell activation, proliferation, and anti-tumor immune response. By releasing the 'brakes' on the immune system, pembrolizumab enables the body's own T cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
Approved indications
- Metastatic melanoma
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Gastric cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Immune-mediated pneumonitis
- Immune-mediated colitis
- Immune-mediated hepatitis
- Immune-mediated endocrinopathy (thyroiditis, adrenalitis)
- Infusion reactions
Key clinical trials
- A Study of Enfortumab Vedotin Alone or With Other Therapies for Treatment of Urothelial Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study Comparing 3 Study Medicines (Encorafenib, Binimetinib, Pembrolizumab) to 2 Study Medicines (Ipilimumab and Nivolumab) in Patients With Advanced Melanoma (PHASE2)
- Rinatabart Sesutecan (Rina-S, PRO1184, GEN1184) for Advanced Solid Tumors (GCT1184-01/ PRO1184-001) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Clinical Trial of Three Study Medicines (Encorafenib, Binimetinib, and Pembrolizumab) in Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma (PHASE3)
- Lovastatin and Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer, LAPP Trial (PHASE2)
- PEMBRO-K : Evaluation of Pembrolizumab Therapeutic Pharmacological Monitoring Benefit in NSCLC
- Study of MK-4830 as Monotherapy and in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors (MK-4830-001) (PHASE1)
- A Study of TRK-950 in Combinations With Anti-Cancer Treatment Regimens in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |