Last reviewed · How we verify
Pemetrexed plus Pembrolizumab
Pemetrexed inhibits folate-dependent enzymes to disrupt cancer cell DNA synthesis, while pembrolizumab blocks PD-1 to unleash immune attack against tumor cells.
Pemetrexed inhibits folate-dependent enzymes to disrupt cancer cell DNA synthesis, while pembrolizumab blocks PD-1 to unleash immune attack against tumor cells. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), likely advanced or metastatic, Potentially other solid tumors in phase 3 evaluation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Pemetrexed plus Pembrolizumab |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Bevacizumab |
| Sponsor | Hunan Province Tumor Hospital |
| Drug class | Antifolate antimetabolite + PD-1 inhibitor combination |
| Target | Thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (pemetrexed); PD-1 (pembrolizumab) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Pemetrexed is an antifolate antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, disrupting nucleotide synthesis and cancer cell proliferation. Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor that restores T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. The combination leverages chemotherapy cytotoxicity with immunotherapy to enhance overall anti-tumor efficacy.
Approved indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), likely advanced or metastatic
- Potentially other solid tumors in phase 3 evaluation
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Immune-related adverse events (pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis)
- Rash
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Evaluate the Bioavailability of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Via Subcutaneous (SC) Injection of Pembrolizumab Formulated With Berahyaluronidase Alfa (MK-5180) [MK-3475A] In Advanced Solid Tumors (MK-3475A-C18) (PHASE1)
- A Study of LY4050784 in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- A Global Phase III Study of Rilvegostomig or Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Non-squamous NSCLC (PHASE3)
- A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab With or Without Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK- 2870) in Adult Participants With Resectable Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Not Achieving Pathological Complete Response (pCR) (MK-2870-019) (PHASE3)
- Chemotherapy Combined With Immunotherapy Versus Immunotherapy Alone for Older Adults With Stage IIIB-IV Lung Cancer, The ACHIEVE Trial (PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of a Type of Drug Called Immunotherapy to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, an ALCHEMIST Treatment Trial (Chemo-IO [ACCIO]) (PHASE3)
- Genetic Testing in Screening Patients With Stage IB-IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer That Has Been or Will Be Removed by Surgery (The ALCHEMIST Screening Trial) (NA)
- Datopotamab Deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) and Pembrolizumab With or Without Platinum Chemotherapy in 1L Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (TROPION-Lung07) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Pemetrexed plus Pembrolizumab CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Pemetrexed plus Pembrolizumab updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hunan Province Tumor Hospital portfolio CI